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 #6 : Synonyms: Roots

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

ACRIMONY

Possible Answers:

Rancor 

Monument 

Celebration 

Admonition 

Influx

Correct answer:

Rancor 

Explanation:

The prefix "acri-" refers to bitterness, either a bitter sensation or a bitterness of personality. In this instance it is the latter usage that is relevant, as “acrimony” is a feeling of bitterness towards someone else. This is similar in meaning to “hostility,” or “rancor,” which means resentment. To provide further help, “influx" means arrival of a large group of things or people; a “monument” is a statue built to commemorate someone or some event; and “admonition” means caution or warning.

Example Question #7 : Synonyms: Roots

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

NOMENCLATURE

Possible Answers:

Discrepancy

Taxonomy

Fatigue

Pseudonym

Title

Correct answer:

Taxonomy

Explanation:

The prefix "nom-" means related to names, and “nomenclature” means a naming system. As such, it is most similar in meaning to “taxonomy,” which is another name for a system of naming and identifying things. To provide further help, a “discrepancy” is an inconsistency; a “pseudonym” is a fake name or a nickname; "fatigue" is exhaustion or extreme tiredness, and a "title" is the name by which a work of art or literature is known.

Example Question #8 : Synonyms: Roots

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

VOCATION

Possible Answers:

Information

Task

Homework

Account

Occupation

Correct answer:

Occupation

Explanation:

Since "vocation" is a noun that means job or profession we're looking for another noun that also means job. "Task" sounds like it might be the correct answer, but a "task" is a job in the sense of a piece of work to be done, it is not a day-to-day job or profession. "Occupation," on the other hand, means a job or profession, so it is the correct answer.

Example Question #9 : Synonyms: Roots

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

AQUEOUS

Possible Answers:

Watery

Wispy

Suggested

Sedimentary

Correct answer:

Watery

Explanation:

The word "aqueous" means watery or pertaining to water. The best choice is "watery," as it is a part of the definition of "aqueous." Considering the other choices, "sedimentary" means having to do with sediment, "wispy" means light and delicate, and "suggested" means mentioned for consideration.

Example Question #10 : Synonyms: Roots

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

TACTILE

Possible Answers:

Able to be tasted 

Able to be seen

Able to be improved 

Able to be heard

Able to be touched 

Correct answer:

Able to be touched 

Explanation:

The prefix "tact-" means related to touch, so “tactile” means able to be touched. To provide further help, “audible” means able to be heard; “visible” means able to be seen. Notice that the suffix "-ible" means able to be.

Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

ACRID

Possible Answers:

Sharp 

Pacifying

Jaunty 

Soothing 

Cantankerous 

Correct answer:

Sharp 

Explanation:

The prefix "acri-" means related to bitterness or harshness. The word “acrid” means unpleasantly sharp or bitter in smell or taste. To provide further help, “soothing” means comforting; “pacifying” means calming; “jaunty” means cheerful; “cantankerous” means grumpy

Example Question #12 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

DUCTILE

Possible Answers:

Rigid

Hollow

Pliant

Sticky

Original

Correct answer:

Pliant

Explanation:

The Latin root "duct" means to lead. You may, for example, have seen an "aqueduct," which literally "leads water" in a particular direction. Someone or something that is "ductile" is "able to be led," in the sense of being easily influenced or bendable. This is also the meaning of the word "pliant." "Rigid" is an antonym.

Example Question #13 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

OCULAR

Possible Answers:

Condemned 

Blessed

Tactile 

Audio 

Visual 

Correct answer:

Visual 

Explanation:

The prefix "ocu-" refers to being able to see, or to the eyes. This is similar to the prefix "vis-," which means to see. We can infer that “ocular” and “visual” are closely related to one another. To provide further help, “audio” means having to do with sound and hearing; “tactile” means able to be touched; “condemned” means considered guilty and awaiting punishment.

Example Question #14 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

TENABLE

Possible Answers:

Sporadic

Reasonable

Catastrophic

Ambiguous

Debunk

Correct answer:

Reasonable

Explanation:

The prefix "ten-" means able to be held or defended, so the word “tenable” describes an idea that is able to be held or defended. We could also call this a “reasonable” idea. To provide further help, “debunk” means disprove; “catastrophic” means disastrous; “ambiguous” means unclear; “sporadic” means random and occurring infrequently.

Example Question #15 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

PLACID

Possible Answers:

Slow

Soft 

Dirty 

Silver

Calm

Correct answer:

Calm

Explanation:

The word "placid" means calm and peaceful. For example, one might write, "You could see your reflection like a mirror image in the placid lake." So, "calm" is the correct answer.

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