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: Prefixes

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

ARCHENEMY

Possible Answers:

Accomplice

Misanthrope

Compatriot

Friend

Nemesis

Correct answer:

Nemesis

Explanation:

The prefix "arch-" means most or most important, so one's “archenemy” is one's biggest enemy, or “nemesis.” “Accomplice” means coconspirator or someone who works with someone else, especially to commit a crime; “compatriot” means fellow countryman; and “misanthrope” means someone antisocial who dislikes people.

Example Question #82 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

SESSION

Possible Answers:

Sitting

Omen

Forerunner

Crook

Benefactor

Correct answer:

Sitting

Explanation:

A “session” is a meeting of a council or a span of time scheduled for doing one specific thing, or a sitting.” “Forerunner” means predecessor; “crook” means criminal; a “benefactor” is someone who funds something; and “omen” means sign of what might happen in the future.

Example Question #83 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

SUBVERSIVE

Possible Answers:

Illustrator

Troublemaker

Mentor

Supporter

Manufacturer

Correct answer:

Troublemaker

Explanation:

The prefix "sub-" means under and the "-versive" portion of "subversive" derives from the Latin meaning turn, so it makes sense that someone who is “subversive” is rebellious and makes trouble, wanting to "subvert" or overturn something. As for the other answer choices, a “manufacturer” is someone who makes something; an “illustrator” is someone who draws something; a "supporter" is someone who supports something, and a "mentor" is someone knowledgeable in a given area who helps someone else gain knowledge in that area by advising that person.

Example Question #84 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

EJECT

Possible Answers:

Reward

Reproach

Distress

Vend

Discharge

Correct answer:

Discharge

Explanation:

The prefix "e-" can mean away or out and the "-ject" portion of the word derives from the Latin for "throw," so it makes sense that "eject" means throw away from. That makes "discharge" the correct answer, as "discharge" means toss away from. Considering the other answer choices, "reward" means give someone something nice for doing the right thing; “reproach” means show that one does not approve of something; “distress” means cause to become upset; and “vend” means sell.

Example Question #85 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

DISMISS

Possible Answers:

Question

Conclude

Ignore

Demand

Introduce

Correct answer:

Ignore

Explanation:

 

In the word "dismiss," the "dis-" prefix is functioning to mean away, and the "-miss" portion derives from the Latin for to send, so it makes sense that "dismiss" means send away or ignore. "Ignore" is thus the correct answer. Considering the other answer choices, “demand” means ask for forcefully as if the person being queried has no other choice; “question” means ask or cast doubt on; “introduce” means bring something up, like an idea or a person, for the first time; and “conclude” means determine or finish.

Example Question #86 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

INTERACT

Possible Answers:

Trade

Calculate

Communicate

Undermine

Portray

Correct answer:

Communicate

Explanation:

The prefix "inter-" means between, so it makes sense that "interact" means engage with another person, talk, or "communicate." As for the other answer choices, “undermine” means subvert, sabotage, or work against the progress of; “trade” means exchange goods; “calculate” means figure out or determine; and “portray” means show or represent.

Example Question #87 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

ASYMMETRICAL

Possible Answers:

Balanced

International

Uneven

Outdated

Resourceful

Correct answer:

Uneven

Explanation:

The prefix "a-" means not and negates the original meaning of a word. “Symmetrical” means having two halves that are mirror images of one another, so “asymmetrical” means not having two halves that are mirror images of one another. This makes "uneven" the best answer choice. As for the other answer choices, “resourceful” means capable and able to cope with many situations; “balanced” means even; “international” means global or having to do with multiple nations; “outdated” means out of date and obsolete.

Example Question #88 : Synonyms: Prefixes

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

Hummingbirds are __________ because they eat both insects and nectar.

Possible Answers:

carnivores

deities

omnivores

omnipotent

herbivores

Correct answer:

omnivores

Explanation:

Animals that eat both other animals and vegetables are called “omnivores.” “Carnivores” eat only meat and “herbivores” eat only plants. The prefixes "omni-" (all) herb- (having to do with plants), and carn- (having to do with the body, flesh, or meat) are all relative here. A “deity” is a god or goddess; and “omnipotent” means all-powerful.

Example Question #89 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

REPEL

Possible Answers:

Summon

Intrude

Repulse

Beckon

Command

Correct answer:

Repulse

Explanation:

The prefix "re-" means back or again, and "pel" derives from a Latin root meaning force, so it makes sense that "repel" means force backdeflect, or "repulse." “Summon” means send for or call for; “beckon” means wave for someone to approach; “command” means order or tell what to do; and "intrude" means interrupt, often by entering a space in which one's presence is not desired.

Example Question #90 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

IMMORTAL

Possible Answers:

Eternal

Inconclusive

Laborious

Frequent

Effortless

Correct answer:

Eternal

Explanation:

The prefix "im-" means not, and the Latin root "mort" means death, so it makes sense that "immortal" means not mortal, or not able to die. This makes "eternal," which means lasting forever, the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “effortless” means not requiring effort or done with such skill as to make look extremely easy; “laborious” means difficult and involving hard work; "inconclusive" means not supporting any definite conclusions; and "frequent" means occurring often.

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