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 #221 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

AGRARIAN

Possible Answers:

Agricultural

Urban

Scientific

Literary

Faithful

Correct answer:

Agricultural

Explanation:

The prefix "agr-" means having to do with farming or the land, as seen in the word “agriculture.” The word “agrarian” means having to do with to the land or agriculture, so "of land" is the correct answer.

Example Question #222 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

HOSPITABLE

Possible Answers:

Neighborly

Incompatible

Ideal

Cautious

Correct answer:

Neighborly

Explanation:

"Hospitable" means generous and friendly in entertaining guests, so "neighborly" would be the best match, as both words mean friendly.

Example Question #223 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

HOSPITABLE

Possible Answers:

Friendly

Bored

Guest

Hostile

Correct answer:

Friendly

Explanation:

"Hospitable" means receiving guests warmly and generously. The best choice is "friendly" because it means showing kindness and helpfulness. Someone who receives guests warmly and generously would be acting in a friendly manner toward those guests. 

Example Question #224 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

BENEVOLENT

Possible Answers:

Compassionate

Loud

Violent

Ruckus

Correct answer:

Compassionate

Explanation:

The word "benevolent" means kind and caring. The best choice is "compassionate" because it shares the same definition. Considering the other choices, "violent" means acting with uncontrolled, rough force, "loud" means great in volume, and "ruckus" means noisy commotion.

Example Question #225 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

DIFFIDENT

Possible Answers:

Hesitant 

Reckless 

Hasty 

Swift 

Thoughtless 

Correct answer:

Hesitant 

Explanation:

The root "fid" refers to belief, so someone who is “diffident” is lacking self-belief. Of the five answer choices, this is most similar in meaning to “hesitant,” which means uncertain and not confident. To provide further help, “reckless” means careless, quick to get into danger; “hasty” means rushed; “swift” means very quick; and “thoughtless” means carless, inconsiderate

Example Question #226 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

VERBOSE

Possible Answers:

Wordy

Nurturing

Cozy

Deadly

Reliant

Correct answer:

Wordy

Explanation:

"Verbose" means overly wordy, so "wordy" is the correct answer.

Example Question #221 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

VIVACIOIUS

Possible Answers:

Somber

Lively

Casual

Advocate

Ventilate

Correct answer:

Lively

Explanation:

"Vivacious" is defined as animated and gay.  This is similar to "lively."

Example Question #222 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

SALABLE

Possible Answers:

Able to be taught

Able to be smelled

Able to be sold

Able to be seen

Able to be tasted

Correct answer:

Able to be sold

Explanation:

The suffix "able-" means able to be and the prefix "sal-" relates to selling or being sold; therefore, “salable” means able to be sold

Example Question #223 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

ECCENTRIC

Possible Answers:

Occasional

Casual

Irregular

Sporadic

Commonplace

Correct answer:

Irregular

Explanation:

Something that is "eccentric" is bizarre or "irregular." The other answer choices are not as fitting and have different meanings from "eccentric" or peculiar. They are as follows: "occasional" means occurring sometimes; "sporadic" means taking place off and on; and "commonplace" means ordinary.

Example Question #224 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

PRIMITIVE

Possible Answers:

Contemporary

Pivotal

Essential

Rudimentary

Premier

Correct answer:

Rudimentary

Explanation:

Something that is "primitive" is rudimentary and ancient, so "rudiementary" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, none are close in meaning to "primitive": "premier," when used as an adjective, means primary in importance; "pivotal" means crucial; and "contemporary" means modern or existing at the same time as.

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