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 #81 : Synonyms

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

EXCULPATE

Possible Answers:

Poison

Pardon

Cut

Redo

Correct answer:

Pardon

Explanation:

The word "exculpate" means forgive for an offense. The best choice is "pardon" because it shares the same meaning as "exculpate." 

Example Question #41 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

DISGRACE

Possible Answers:

Dissatisfaction

Disproportionate 

Dishonor 

Disapproval

Disgusting

Correct answer:

Dishonor 

Explanation:

“Disgrace” means to shame or dishonor. To provide further help, “dissatisfaction” is a lack of satisfaction or happiness; “disapproval” is the feeling of not approving of something; “disgusting” means gross; “disproportionate” means uneven.

Example Question #42 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

CONSPIRE

Possible Answers:

Plan openly 

Plan secretly 

Remain silent 

Contend 

Talk out loud 

Correct answer:

Plan secretly 

Explanation:

The prefix "con-" means together or jointly, so “conspire” means plan secretly together. To provide further help, “remain” means stay, and “contend” means compete with or argue that.

Example Question #43 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

FORESEE

Possible Answers:

Relinquish

Portray

Betray

Anticipate

Decipher

Correct answer:

Anticipate

Explanation:

"Foresee" means "anticipate" or predict beforehand, so "anticipate" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "foresee": "betray" means go against one's country or a friend by sharing the country's or the friend's secrets; "portray" means show or depict in a work; "decipher" means decode or interpret some coded language; and "relinquish" means give up or let go.

Example Question #44 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

DECIPHER

Possible Answers:

Deem

Decode

Learn

Unearth

Instruct

Correct answer:

Decode

Explanation:

To "decipher" something like a code means to translate it or "decode" it. The other answer choices are not as fitting since "deem" is to suppose; "unearth" is to discover; and "instruct" is to teach.

Example Question #45 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

IMPOSE

Possible Answers:

Impassive 

Compel 

Imply

Catalogue

Collect 

Correct answer:

Compel 

Explanation:

The prefix im- means in or into. So the word “impose” means to force into doing something. This is closest in meaning to the answer choice “compel,” which means to make someone do something. To provide further help, “collect” means gather; “catalogue” means record data and information; “imply” means suggest; “impassive” means unemotional.

Example Question #46 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

INDICT

Possible Answers:

Suggest

Imply

Implore

Suppose

Accuse

Correct answer:

Accuse

Explanation:

The word fragment -dict- means related to speaking or words, as in “dictionary” or “diction.” The word “indict” means to say someone did something wrong, to “accuse.” To provide further help, “imply” means suggest and “implore” means beg. Please note that "indict" rhymes with "in light."

Example Question #47 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

INTERVENE

Possible Answers:

Pause

Unnerve

Gather

Meddle

Concern

Correct answer:

Meddle

Explanation:

To "intervene" means to step in or meddle in a situation, so "meddle" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "intervene": "unnerve" means make nervous; "concern" means worry, whether it is used as a noun or as a verb; "gather" means collect into a single group at one location, and "pause" means temporarily stop.

Example Question #48 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

BEMUSE

Possible Answers:

Meander 

Morose 

Inspire 

Amuse

Perplex 

Correct answer:

Perplex 

Explanation:

“Bemuse” means make confused, perplex, or bewilder. To provide further help, “meander” means move indirectly to one's destination, like a river, and “morose” means miserable and serious

Example Question #49 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

RESOLVED

Possible Answers:

Decided

Explained

Reversed

Circled

Understood

Correct answer:

Decided

Explanation:

"Resolve" has several meanings, one of which is to decide. For example, one might write, "After getting sick from eating too many cookies, Brad resolved to never eat cookies again." So, since "resolved" means decided, "decided" is the correct answer. 

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