All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #66 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
UNIVERSAL
Scientific
Logical
Cosmic
Spatial
Complete
Complete
The word "universe" in Latin is a very interesting word. We generally use it to mean all things or even all of outer space, but what it literally means is turned toward one point. The "uni-" prefix comes from the word for one, as we see in words like "unity," "unify," and "unit." The "-verse" portion of the word comes from Latin roots for to turn. We see this root in words like "convert" and "invert." When something is "universal" it is complete, explaining how everything is related. We say that someone has "universal knowledge" when he or she seems to know everything. Thus, the best option provided here is complete.
Example Question #67 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SOLITARY
Bright
Brilliant
Important
Isolated
Famous
Isolated
The word "solitary" comes from the Latin root for alone—"solus." When someone has a "solo" in a concert, he or she plays or sings a part all by himself or herself. This should not be confused with "solar," which has to do with the sun. Now, when someone is isolated, he or she is also alone. The word "isolated" comes from the Latin for island, which is also found in words like "insular" and "insulation." Thus, the best option provided among those given here is the word "isolated." This is a primary meaning when we have expressions like "solitary confinement," meaning, "isolated imprisonment."
Example Question #271 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SEQUENCE
Entertainment
Dramatic
Written
Intellectual
Order
Order
The word "sequence" comes from the Latin root for to follow. Thus, we find other words like "subsequent" (coming after), "sequel" (something that comes after another thing), "pursue," and even "second!" Thus, a "sequence" is an orderly arrangement of things. We can call this sequence an "order." Often, we seem to use "order" as a verb; however, we do often use it as a noun too. Think of when you say, "Put those things in order!" You mean to say, "Put them into a sequence!"
Example Question #272 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
REJUVENATE
Revive
Recount
Relate
Purify
Cleanse
Revive
The word "rejuvenate" comes from two Latin roots. The prefix "re-" used here means again. You see it in words like "recant" and "repeat," as well as the options "revive" and "relate" mentioned in this question. The "-juvenate" portion comes from a root meaning young. When someone acts in a "juvenile" manner, he or she acts like he or she is immature or young. Thus, to "rejuvenate" means to make something feel or become young. It thus also means to renew or to revive. The latter is the correct answer, and it means literally to make something have life again.
Example Question #70 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PATRIARCH
Descendent
Father
God
Predecessor
Ancestor
Father
The word "patriarch" comes from the Latin word "pater," which means father. A "patriarchy" is a kind of society in which fathers (and males in general) have the most power. This is contrasted to a "matriarchy" in which mothers (and women in general) have power. ("Mater" is the Latin word for mother.) Now, "patriarch" could be any male ancestor. Thus, Jewish people refer to Abraham as being one of their patriarchs, for they see him as being a "father" to their people. It is also fine to refer to any father as a "patriarch." Indeed, even the word "father" can often be used to describe an important ancestor or figure who is not an immediate father. In this respect, think of the expression, "Founding fathers" often used to describe those men who played a key role in the founding of the American republic.
Example Question #273 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AMPLIFY
Pervade
Translate
Fill
Increase
Resonate
Increase
The word "amplify" comes from two Latin roots. The stem of the word, "ampli-," comes from the Latin word for large. Perhaps you have heard of the word "ample," which means large or abundant. The "-fy" suffix also comes from Latin and means to do or to make. Thus, something that "amplifies" is a thing that makes something larger or more intense. Often, we use the word "amplifier" for something that makes sound on a stereo to be louder. Thus, the best option among those given is "increase." When you "amplify" something, you increase its size or intensity.
Example Question #274 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FRACTURE
Combine
Illustrate
Break
Dig
Conclude
Break
The best synonym is "break." Fracture comes from the Latin roots "fract" and "frangere," meaning to break (e.g. "fraction," "fracking," "fragile," "fragment").
Example Question #275 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms
POSTSCRIPT
Mental
Summary
Raise
Recording
Afterword
Afterword
Postscript comes from the Latin prefix "post" meaning "after." Script comes from the Latin word "scriptus" meaning written. Postscript can be defined as written after, such as an appendix or epilogue. Therefore, "Afterword" is the correct synonym. A "postcript" does not necessarily provide a "summary," it merely comes at the end of a document.
Example Question #276 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
LOQUACIOUS
Tranquil
Miniscule
Talkative
Mute
Blinding
Talkative
The best synonym is "talkative." "Loquacious" comes from the Latin root "loqui" meaning speak. Therefore, someone who is "loquacious "speaks a great deal or is talkative, with an additional meaning that their speech is eloquent.
"Tranquil" refers to disposition, not speech. "Mute" is an antonym to "loquacious," as it refers to silent or incapable of speech.
Example Question #277 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
RECLINE
Consume
Lean
Harry
Harass
Bother
Lean
The Latin root -clin- means lean, lean back, so to "recline" means to lean back, to lie back in a chair. Another example of a -clin- word is "incline" which means slope, leaning forwards. Additionally, "consume" means devour, eat, use. Finally, the other three answer choices are all synonyms they all mean to annoy, pester, and bother someone.
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