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

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

JUDGMENT

Possible Answers:

Honesty

Resolve

Nonsense

Wit

Sense

Correct answer:

Sense

Explanation:

The Latin root "jud" means law, so “judgment” is a ruling by a court of law. It can also refer to the ability to make good decisions or having good sense. “Nonsense” means speech or writing that makes no sense; “wit” is the ability to be funny by being clever; “resolve” is determination; and "honesty" is truthfulness.

Example Question #242 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

CONFIDE

Possible Answers:

Reprimand

Misunderstand

Trust

Understand

Mistrust

Correct answer:

Trust

Explanation:

The Latin root "fid" means faith or trust, and the Latin prefix "con-" means with, so it makes sense that to “confide” means to put trust in and to tell secrets to someone. The Latin prefix "mis-" means not, so it makes sense that “mistrust” means to suspect and not trust and that “misunderstand” means to not understand, or to understand incorrectly. “Reprimand” means to punish for a relatively small wrongdoing.

Example Question #243 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

PRESCRIBE

Possible Answers:

Will

Portend

Recommend

Demonstrate

Ignore

Correct answer:

Recommend

Explanation:

The root "scribe" means write, and the prefix "pre-" means before, so it makes sense that “prescribe” means recommend the use of (often specifically in the sense of a doctor recommending and authorizing that medicine be given to a patient), since when a doctor prescribes a patient a medication, he writes down a prescription; this means that "recommend" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "prescribe." " “Ignore” means purposely not pay attention to; “demonstrate” means show how something is done; “will” is intend or transfer property or money in a will (a document stating how you want your possessions distributed after your death); and “portend” means suggest at something negative happening in the future.

Example Question #244 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

MONOTONOUS

Possible Answers:

Productive

Enervated

Defiant

Uninteresting

Convoluted

Correct answer:

Uninteresting

Explanation:

The root "mono" means one, and the "-ton-" in "monotonous" derives from "tone," meaning sound, so it makes sense that “monotone” means producing one tone. However, it also means boringly uniform and uninteresting. "Uninteresting" is thus the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, "defiant" means rebellious; "convoluted" means complex or overly complex; "enervated" means having used up all of one's energy or exhausted; and "productive" means yielding useful results.

Example Question #245 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

PERMANENT

Possible Answers:

Acceptable

Carefree

Lasting

Considerable

Frivolous

Correct answer:

Lasting

Explanation:

The prefix "per-" means through, and it is here combined with a Latin word that means "stay," so it makes sense that "permanent" means staying or lasting throughout all time or intended to do so. This means that "lasting" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “acceptable” means good enough, “frivolous” means having no purpose or seriousness; “considerable” means of enough significance to be thought about or of a notable amount; and "carefree" means untroubled.

Example Question #41 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

MANUAL

Possible Answers:

Intangible

Hand-operated

Tactile

Handheld

Particular

Correct answer:

Hand-operated

Explanation:

"Manual" derives from the Latin word "manus," which has many definitions, one of which is hand. So, it makes sense that "manual," when used as an adjective, means having to do with the hands or operated by hand as opposed to automatically by utilizing another force. "Manual" labor involves the use of one's hands, for example. "Hand-operated" is thus the correct answer. While "handheld" (of a size able to be easily held in the hands) may look like a potentially correct answer, it has nothing to do with work. "Tactile," meaning able to be touched or having to do with the sense of touch, may also seem like a potentially correct answer, but again, it has nothing to do with work.

Example Question #42 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

NUMEROUS

Possible Answers:

Immovable

Literate

Illogical

Fortunate

Plentiful

Correct answer:

Plentiful

Explanation:

The word "numerous" derives from the Latin word for number. This makes sense, as it means found in great numbers, or in other words, abundant or "plentiful." As for the other answer choices, “illogical” means not logical or not reasonable; “literate” means able to read; “fortunate” means lucky; and “immovable” means impossible to move.

Example Question #43 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

MAGNIFICENT

Possible Answers:

Untouchable

Terrible

Great

Gorgeous

Frequent

Correct answer:

Great

Explanation:

"Magnificent" derives from a Latin word meaning noble, important, or great like other English words that include "magn-" (like "magnify" and "magnate"). So, it makes sense that "magnificent" means splendid or majestic. "Great" is thus the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, "gorgeous" means very good-looking; “untouchable” means not able to be touched or not able to be matched; “terrible” means very bad; and "frequent" means often.

Example Question #44 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

UNIQUE

Possible Answers:

Limited

Prohibited

Mandatory

Unoriginal

Original

Correct answer:

Original

Explanation:

The English prefix "uni-" comes from Latin and means having to do with one of something. Given this, it makes sense that “unique” means one-of-a-kind or "original." “Unoriginal” means not original, because the prefix "un-" means not. “Mandatory” means necessary as opposed to optional; “prohibited” means not allowed due to some official rule; and "limited" means having a defined and set extent.

Example Question #45 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

TERRAIN

Possible Answers:

Temperature

Sky

Land

Rain

Weather

Correct answer:

Land

Explanation:

"Terra" is the Latin word for earth or land, so it makes sense that “terrain” means a type of land, like “rocky terrain” or “grassy terrain.” The “temperature” is how hot or cold it is; “weather” means the temporary and changeable atmospheric conditions involving precipitation, wind, and temperature.

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