ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, and Roots to Identify Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #161 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

ABYSS

Possible Answers:

Bottomless

Hopeless

Thankless

Timeless

Helpless

Correct answer:

Bottomless

Explanation:

The Greek prefix a- means without, so "abyss" means without a bottom, bottomless, a void, a chasm. To provide further help, "timeless" means not fixed in any era, always fashionable and appropriate; "thankless" refers to a task that no-one wants to do because it is little appreciated.

Example Question #162 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

DIALOGUE

Possible Answers:

Condescension

Competition

Confrontation

Commiseration

Conversation

Correct answer:

Conversation

Explanation:

The Greek prefix dia- means through, between, across, so "dialogue" means a conversation between two people. Another example of a dia- word is "diameter" which refers to a line that goes from one side of a circle to another, the passes across and through the circle. To provide additional help, "commiseration" is showing sympathy for someone's sadness, joining someone in sadness; "condescension" is talking down to someone in an arrogant way; a "confrontation" is a fight.

Example Question #163 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

PHYSICIAN

Possible Answers:

Lawyer

Doctor

Teacher

Helper

Politician

Correct answer:

Doctor

Explanation:

The Greek prefix phys- means related to nature, the human body, and medicine. So a "physician" is a doctor. Another example of a phys- word is "physical," which means relating to the body or to movement.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Anglo Saxon

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

BESTOW

Possible Answers:

Confer

Enthrall

Request

Describe

Meander

Correct answer:

Confer

Explanation:

“Bestow” means to give or present something to someone. In this sense, it is most similar to the answer choice “confer,” which means to give an award, to present something. To provide further help, “request” means ask for; “enthrall” means captivate and charm; “meander” describes the indirect, side-to-side movement of something, like a river.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Anglo Saxon

Synonyms: Select the word or phrase that best matches the word in capital letters.

OUTFOX

Possible Answers:

Fall over

Learn to read

Get the better of

Defend to the death

Last longer than

Correct answer:

Get the better of

Explanation:

To "outfox" means to outwit or to get the better of someone. For example, one might write, “He outfoxed his opponent and emerged victorious.”

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Anglo Saxon

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

BEHOOVE

Possible Answers:

Be fitting 

Be useless

Be required 

Be insipid 

Be unnecessary

Correct answer:

Be fitting 

Explanation:

"Behoove" means be fitting, right or appropriate. For example, one might say that it behooves you to study hard for the ISEE Verbal section. So, "be fitting" is the correct answer. To help you, "required" means needed, and "insipid" means dull or bland.

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Anglo Saxon

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

BEDEVIL

Possible Answers:

Forage

Threaten

Harass

Curse

Correct answer:

Harass

Explanation:

To "bedevil" means harass. The best choice is "harass," which means disturb repeatedly. Considering the other choices, "curse" means wish evil upon something, "forage" means search for, and "threaten" means promise danger towards something or someone.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Anglo Saxon

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

BEDECK

Possible Answers:

Inquire 

Apprehend 

Dispute 

Festoon 

Puncture 

Correct answer:

Festoon 

Explanation:

The prefix "be-" means to make, to do and “bedeck” means to decorate, to make something look festive. This is close in meaning to “festoon.” To provide further help, “puncture” means pierce; “dispute” means argue against; “inquire” means ask after; “apprehend” means catch or arrest

Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Anglo Saxon

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

FOREBODE

Possible Answers:

Collect

Praise

Gesticulate

Warn

Befriend

Correct answer:

Warn

Explanation:

The Old English prefix fore- means before, in front of, coming before, as in "forecast" which is a prediction of future events. So, "forebode" means to warn of, to herald, to foreshadow. To provide additional help, "befriend" means to make friends with; "gesticulate" means gesture to, motion about, to use dramatic body movements to express an idea

Example Question #7 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Anglo Saxon

Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

BEDECK

Possible Answers:

Festoon 

Dispute 

Apprehend 

Inquire 

Puncture 

Correct answer:

Festoon 

Explanation:

The prefix "be-" means to make, to do and “bedeck” means to decorate, to make something look festive. This is close in meaning to “festoon.” To provide further help, “puncture” means pierce; “dispute” means argue against; “inquire” means ask after; “apprehend” means catch or arrest

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