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 #11 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

INCARNATE

Possible Answers:

Synthesis 

Personified 

Pertinent 

Portent 

Serendipitous 

Correct answer:

Personified 

Explanation:

"Carn-" means in the flesh, related to the body. “Incarnate” literally means in the flesh; however, it is taken to mean “personified,” which means the epitome of something, the most obvious example of something. To provide further help, “serendipitous” means owed to good fortune; a “synthesis” is a mixture; a “portent” is an omen; “pertinent” means relevant.

Example Question #12 : Synonyms: Prefixes

A synonym of "indeterminate" is __________.

Possible Answers:

miraculous

unspecified

predatory

charismatic

definite

Correct answer:

unspecified

Explanation:

"Indeterminate" is an adjective that means "not exactly known, established, or defined." So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "not exactly defined." "Definite," then, cannot be the correct answer, because "definite," which means "clearly stated or decided; not vague or doubtful" or "clearly true or real; unambiguous," is an antonym of "indeterminate," not a synonym. "Unspecified," however, is an adjective that means "not stated clearly or exactly," and because "unspecified" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "indeterminate," "unspecified" is the correct answer.

Example Question #13 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

PRESCIENT

Possible Answers:

Do

Sentient

Foreknowing

Science

Correct answer:

Foreknowing

Explanation:

The word "prescient" means having knowledge of things before they happen. The best choice is "foreknowing," as it shares the same definition as "prescient." Considering the other choices, "do" means perform an act, "science" is knowledge gained from systematic study, and "sentient" means conscious.

Example Question #14 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

SUBLIMINAL

Possible Answers:

Posthumous 

Remonstrate 

Outlying 

Unconscious 

Comparable 

Correct answer:

Unconscious 

Explanation:

The prefix sub- means beneath or under. “Subliminal” means occurring beneath the surface of your understanding; this is closest in definition to “unconscious.” “Conscious” means aware, so “unconscious” means an understanding you are not aware of. “Unconscious” can also mean passed-out. To provide further help, “posthumous” means occurring after death; “outlying” means remote; “remonstrate” means argue, protest; “comparable” means similar, able to be compared

Example Question #15 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

INNOCUOUS

Possible Answers:

Malodorous 

Benevolent 

Malfeasant

Malevolent

Benign 

Correct answer:

Benign 

Explanation:

“Innocuous” means not harmful, which is identical in definition to “benign.” Here might be a good time to examine the differences between the prefixes "ben-" and "mal-." "Ben-"means good, positive, helpful, etc. and "mal-" means bad, evil, hurtful, etc. “Malevolent” means evil or wicked-natured and “benevolent” means good-natured, while “malfeasant” means exhibiting bad behavior and “malodorous” means bad-smelling.

Example Question #16 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

MALCONTENT

Possible Answers:

Obsequious

Mercurial

Whimsical

Nostalgic

Dissatisfied

Correct answer:

Dissatisfied

Explanation:

“Malcontent” means not content, dissatisfied. To provide further guidance, "whimsical" means quirky and silly; "mercurial" means enigmatic and hard to predict; "nostalgic" means having fond memories about the past; "obsequious" means flattering.

Example Question #11 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

INCREDULOUS

Possible Answers:

Uncertain

Disbelieving

Enthusiastic

Imaginative

Awestruck

Correct answer:

Disbelieving

Explanation:

"Incredulous" means disbelieving or doubtful of the credibility of something. Thus, the best answer choice is "disbelieving." For instance, if a child gives an incredulous look about whether drinking tea will help his or her cold, it means that the child is doubtful whether the tea can help him or her.

Example Question #18 : Synonyms: Prefixes

A synonym of "unruly" is __________.

Possible Answers:

low

well-behaved

beneficial

opinionated

rowdy

Correct answer:

rowdy

Explanation:

"Unruly" is an adjective that means "disorderly and disruptive and not amenable to discipline or control." So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "disruptive." "Well-behaved" cannot be the correct answer, then, because "well-behaved" is an antonym of "disruptive." "Rowdy," however, is an adjective that means "noisy and disorderly," and because "rowdy" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "unruly," "rowdy" is the correct answer.

Example Question #19 : Synonyms: Prefixes

A synonym of "malevolent" is __________.

Possible Answers:

tired

malicious

malodorous

worrisome

malingering

Correct answer:

malicious

Explanation:

"Malevolent" is an adjective that means "having or showing a wish to do evil to others," so we need to pick out a word that means something like "wanting to do evil to others." While three of the answer choices begin with the negative prefix "mal-," only "malicious," an adjective that means "characterized by malice; intending or intended to do harm," is close in meaning to "malevolent." Because "malicious" is the answer choice that is closest in meaning to "malevolent," "malicious" is the correct answer.

Example Question #20 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

CONGENIAL

Possible Answers:

Inherited

Amiable

Magical

Youthful

Correct answer:

Amiable

Explanation:

"Congenial" and "congenital" are etymologically related but have quite different meanings. "Congenital" means present from birth (if you chose "inherited," you were likely thinking of this word). "Congenial" means agreeable and pleasant to be around. Both words combine the roots "com-" (meaning together) and "-gen" (meaning birth), but they take these root combinations in different directions—"congenital" more literally relating to inborn qualities, and "congenial" relating to the kind of relationship "kindred spirits" might have.

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