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 #46 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

NOVELTY

Possible Answers:

Entertainment

Size

Newness

Fortune

Age

Correct answer:

Newness

Explanation:

The root "nov" comes from Latin and means new or begin, so it makes sense that "novelty" means "newness." "Age" means the span of time for which someone or something has existed; "size" refers to the amount of physical space something or someone takes up; "entertainment" is something intended to amuse; and "fortune" can either refer to a large amount of money owned by one person or luck.

Example Question #47 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

PEDESTRIAN

Possible Answers:

Driver

Responder

Pilot

Transporter

Walker

Correct answer:

Walker

Explanation:

The root "ped" comes from Latin and means related to feet or walking; you can see it used in words like "pedal" and "impediment" and it is similar to the "pod-" one sees in the word "podiatrist," or doctor who specializes in treating patients' feet. Given this, it makes sense that a "pedestrian" is someone who is walking, usually by the side of a road. A “responder” is someone who answers something, such as a call; a “transporter” is someone who moves something from one place to another; and a “pilot” is someone who flies a plane.

Example Question #48 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

PERSIST

Possible Answers:

Desist

Conclude

Delay

Continue

Resist

Correct answer:

Continue

Explanation:

The root "per" can throughout and is seen in words like "perfuse" (spread gradually throughout an entire thing), so it makes sense that "persist" means continue throughout a long period of time or in other words, keep going. "Continue" is thus the best answer. “Desist” means stop, or hold back from; “conclude” means finish; “delay” means cause to be set to commence until some point of time in the future; and “resist” means to not let something happen or to fight back.

Example Question #49 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

NOTABLE

Possible Answers:

Audible

Responsible

Edible

Insignificant

Important

Correct answer:

Important

Explanation:

The root "note" comes from Latin and usually relates to being important, as in words like "noteworthy" and phrases like "of note," both of which mean important. Thus, it makes sense that "notable" also means "important." “Insignificant” means not important; “responsible” means able to be trusted to do the right thing or mature; “edible” means able to be eaten; “audible” means able to be heard.

Example Question #50 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

COMPEL

Possible Answers:

Deride. 

Imitate

Force

Encourage

Suppress

Correct answer:

Force

Explanation:

The Latin root "-pel" means force or drive and is found in English words like "dispel" (drive away or eliminate a bad feeling, especially uncertainty) and "repel" (to physically force back and away—think of what "mosquito repellant" accomplishes). Given this, it makes sense that "compel" means force someone to do something. “Deride” means mock, “imitate” means copy; “suppress” means subdue or curb; and "encourage" means support someone's actions and in doing so, suggest that he or she begin or continue those actions.

Example Question #51 : Synonyms: Roots

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

BENIGN

Possible Answers:

Helpful

Harmful

Horrific

Harmless

Helpful

Correct answer:

Harmless

Explanation:

The root "ben" means good, so it makes sense that "benign" means not harmful, not dangerous, or "harmless." As for the other answer choices, “harmful” means causing damage; “helpless” means unable to help oneself; “helpful” means kind and providing assistance; and “horrific” means shocking and terrible.

Example Question #251 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

CHRONOLOGICAL

Possible Answers:

Timely

Sequential

Inherent

Irreversible

Malleable

Correct answer:

Sequential

Explanation:

The "chron-" part of "chronological" comes from a Latin word meaning time, so it makes sense that “chronological” means arranged in the order in which events happened. This is very close to the meaning of the word “sequential,” which means happening in a defined sequence. As for the other answer choices, “irreversible” means not able to be changed back or reversed; “malleable” means flexible, bendable, and able to be molded; "timely" means well-timed or appropriate; and “inherent” means natural or inborn.

Example Question #252 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

LIBERATE

Possible Answers:

Free

Enslave

Entrap

Rejoice

Barter

Correct answer:

Free

Explanation:

"Liber-" derives from Latin roots meaning free, so it makes sense that with the "-ate" suffix added, which means to do or make, "liberate" means set free from some kind of oppression. This means that "free" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “enslave” means to make into a slave; “entrap” means capture; “rejoice” means celebrate or express happiness about something that happened; and “barter” means to trade one thing for another so as to conduct business without money.

Example Question #251 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

ELOQUENT

Possible Answers:

Incessant

Nomadic

Terminal

Well-spoken

Artistic

Correct answer:

Well-spoken

Explanation:

The root "loq" means speak or talk and is found in other words like "loquacious" (talkative), "interlocutor" (someone with whom you have a conversation) and "elocution" (diction). Thus, it makes sense that someone who is "eloquent" is able to speak well and beautifully, making "well-spoken" the correct answer.

As for the other answer choices, “artistic” means creative and talented in making art; “nomadic” means wandering and not living permanently in one place; “incessant” means unrelenting; and “terminal” means final or concluding.

Example Question #252 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

MALICIOUS

Possible Answers:

Serene

Nasty

Grateful

Humorous

Embarrassed

Correct answer:

Nasty

Explanation:

The Latin root "mal" means bad or not, so it makes sense that "malicious" means cruel and wanting to cause pain and suffering. "Nasty" is thus the correct answer, as the word can be used to mean mean-spirited and hurtful when describing people As for the other answer choices, “grateful” means thankful for things you have been given; “humorous” means funny; “serene” means quiet and peaceful; and "embarrassed" means slightly ashamed, especially due to something one's actions in front of other people.

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