All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #19 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MICROSCOPIC
Gorgeous
Tiny
Immune
Massive
Susceptible
Tiny
The Greek prefix micro- means very small, as in "microscope" which is a tool used to look at things that are very small. So, "microscopic" means tiny, very, very small. To provide additional help, "susceptible" means vulnerable, at risk; "immune" is an antonym of "susceptible" it means not vulnerable, cannot be affected by (usually a disease); "massive" means very large; "gorgeous" means beautiful, attractive.
Example Question #20 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EGOTISTICAL
Selfless
Helpless
Hopeful
Selfish
Hopeless
Selfish
The Greek prefix ego- means self. So, someone who is "egotistical" is self-centered, selfish. Additionally, "selfless" means not selfish, generous; "helpless" means not able to be helped.
Example Question #21 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DILEMMA
Solution
Medicine
Problem
Suggestion
Notion
Problem
The Greek prefix di- means two. So, a "dilemma" is a problem with two possible solutions, a predicament, a quandary. To provide additional help, a "notion" is an idea or a feeling; a "suggestion" is an idea expressed to help someone with a problem.
Example Question #22 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ARCHAIC
Confounding
Domineering
Obsolete
Impressive
Recessive
Obsolete
The Greek prefix arch- can have two meanings. It either means chief as in "monarch" or ancient, old-fashioned as in "archaic." "Archaic" means old-fashioned and out of date, obsolete, no longer needed or used. To provide additional help, "impressive" means inspiring admiration, making people impressed; "domineering" means bossy, dominating, in-charge; "confounding" means confusing, bewildering; "recessive" means (of a gene) not dominant, hidden.
Example Question #23 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MISNOMER
Speaker
Follower
Leader
Answer
Error
Error
The Greek prefix mis- means wrong, bad, as in "mistake" which means error. A "misnomer" is an inaccurate name, an error in naming something. So, the best possible answer is "error." You might also notice the root word -nom- which often means name. So, simply a "misnomer" is a wrong name, an error in naming.
Example Question #24 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MELANCHOLY
Joy
Ecstasy
Sadness
Bliss
Elation
Sadness
The Greek prefix melan- means black, dark, so "melancholy" means a dark mood, sadness, depression, misery. Additionally, the other four answer choices all mean deep happiness.
Example Question #25 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
OPTICAL
Touch
Hearing
Taste
Sight
Smell
Sight
The Greek prefix opt- means eyes, sight, or related to sight. So, "optical" means of or relating to sight. The synonym here is not perfect, but sometimes you have to find the answer that is "closest" to the word in question.
Example Question #26 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PATERNITY
Fatherhood
Sisterhood
Maternity
Motherhood
Brotherhood
Fatherhood
The Greek prefix pater- means father, so "paternity" means fatherhood. The Greek prefix mater- means mother, so "maternity" means motherhood. Another example of a pater- word is "patriarch" which refers to a man in charge of a group.
Example Question #27 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
IDIOSYNCRASY
Hint
Xenophobia
Compassion
Patriotism
Quirk
Quirk
The Greek prefix idio- means unusual, weird, distinct, as in "idiot." So, an "idiosyncrasy" is an unusual personality trait, a quirk. Additionally, a "hint" is a clue; "patriotism" is love of one's country; "xenophobia" is fear of foreigners; "compassion" is warmth, generosity, and kindness.
Example Question #28 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ETHNICITY
Belief
Race
Age
Class
Gender
Race
The Greek prefix ethno- means race, so an "ethnicity" is a race of people. Other examples of ethno- words include "ethnic" which means racial and "ethnology" the study of different races. It is worth noting that the suffix -ology means study of.
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All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
