ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms: Roots from Latin

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ISEE Middle Level Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #41 : Synonyms: Roots

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

MANUAL

Possible Answers:

Particular

Handheld

Hand-operated

Intangible

Tactile

Correct answer:

Hand-operated

Explanation:

"Manual" derives from the Latin word "manus," which has many definitions, one of which is hand. So, it makes sense that "manual," when used as an adjective, means having to do with the hands or operated by hand as opposed to automatically by utilizing another force. "Manual" labor involves the use of one's hands, for example. "Hand-operated" is thus the correct answer. While "handheld" (of a size able to be easily held in the hands) may look like a potentially correct answer, it has nothing to do with work. "Tactile," meaning able to be touched or having to do with the sense of touch, may also seem like a potentially correct answer, but again, it has nothing to do with work.

Example Question #42 : Synonyms: Roots

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

NUMEROUS

Possible Answers:

Fortunate

Illogical

Literate

Immovable

Plentiful

Correct answer:

Plentiful

Explanation:

The word "numerous" derives from the Latin word for number. This makes sense, as it means found in great numbers, or in other words, abundant or "plentiful." As for the other answer choices, “illogical” means not logical or not reasonable; “literate” means able to read; “fortunate” means lucky; and “immovable” means impossible to move.

Example Question #43 : Synonyms: Roots

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

MAGNIFICENT

Possible Answers:

Terrible

Gorgeous

Great

Frequent

Untouchable

Correct answer:

Great

Explanation:

"Magnificent" derives from a Latin word meaning noble, important, or great like other English words that include "magn-" (like "magnify" and "magnate"). So, it makes sense that "magnificent" means splendid or majestic. "Great" is thus the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, "gorgeous" means very good-looking; “untouchable” means not able to be touched or not able to be matched; “terrible” means very bad; and "frequent" means often.

Example Question #44 : Synonyms: Roots

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

UNIQUE

Possible Answers:

Limited

Mandatory

Original

Prohibited

Unoriginal

Correct answer:

Original

Explanation:

The English prefix "uni-" comes from Latin and means having to do with one of something. Given this, it makes sense that “unique” means one-of-a-kind or "original." “Unoriginal” means not original, because the prefix "un-" means not. “Mandatory” means necessary as opposed to optional; “prohibited” means not allowed due to some official rule; and "limited" means having a defined and set extent.

Example Question #45 : Synonyms: Roots

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

TERRAIN

Possible Answers:

Temperature

Weather

Rain

Land

Sky

Correct answer:

Land

Explanation:

"Terra" is the Latin word for earth or land, so it makes sense that “terrain” means a type of land, like “rocky terrain” or “grassy terrain.” The “temperature” is how hot or cold it is; “weather” means the temporary and changeable atmospheric conditions involving precipitation, wind, and temperature.

Example Question #45 : Synonyms: Roots

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

NOVELTY

Possible Answers:

Size

Fortune

Entertainment

Age

Newness

Correct answer:

Newness

Explanation:

The root "nov" comes from Latin and means new or begin, so it makes sense that "novelty" means "newness." "Age" means the span of time for which someone or something has existed; "size" refers to the amount of physical space something or someone takes up; "entertainment" is something intended to amuse; and "fortune" can either refer to a large amount of money owned by one person or luck.

Example Question #46 : Synonyms: Roots

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

PEDESTRIAN

Possible Answers:

Walker

Transporter

Responder

Driver

Pilot

Correct answer:

Walker

Explanation:

The root "ped" comes from Latin and means related to feet or walking; you can see it used in words like "pedal" and "impediment" and it is similar to the "pod-" one sees in the word "podiatrist," or doctor who specializes in treating patients' feet. Given this, it makes sense that a "pedestrian" is someone who is walking, usually by the side of a road. A “responder” is someone who answers something, such as a call; a “transporter” is someone who moves something from one place to another; and a “pilot” is someone who flies a plane.

Example Question #47 : Synonyms: Roots

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

PERSIST

Possible Answers:

Resist

Conclude

Continue

Desist

Delay

Correct answer:

Continue

Explanation:

The root "per" can throughout and is seen in words like "perfuse" (spread gradually throughout an entire thing), so it makes sense that "persist" means continue throughout a long period of time or in other words, keep going. "Continue" is thus the best answer. “Desist” means stop, or hold back from; “conclude” means finish; “delay” means cause to be set to commence until some point of time in the future; and “resist” means to not let something happen or to fight back.

Example Question #48 : Synonyms: Roots

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

NOTABLE

Possible Answers:

Insignificant

Responsible

Edible

Audible

Important

Correct answer:

Important

Explanation:

The root "note" comes from Latin and usually relates to being important, as in words like "noteworthy" and phrases like "of note," both of which mean important. Thus, it makes sense that "notable" also means "important." “Insignificant” means not important; “responsible” means able to be trusted to do the right thing or mature; “edible” means able to be eaten; “audible” means able to be heard.

Example Question #49 : Synonyms: Roots

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

COMPEL

Possible Answers:

Encourage

Force

Imitate

Deride. 

Suppress

Correct answer:

Force

Explanation:

The Latin root "-pel" means force or drive and is found in English words like "dispel" (drive away or eliminate a bad feeling, especially uncertainty) and "repel" (to physically force back and away—think of what "mosquito repellant" accomplishes). Given this, it makes sense that "compel" means force someone to do something. “Deride” means mock, “imitate” means copy; “suppress” means subdue or curb; and "encourage" means support someone's actions and in doing so, suggest that he or she begin or continue those actions.

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