ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ISEE Middle Level Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #114 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

VERBALIZE

Possible Answers:

Disclaim

Renounce

Deny

Disavow

Express

Correct answer:

Express

Explanation:

The Latin prefix verb- means word, speak. So, "verbalize" means to speak, to express an idea. Additionally, the other four answer choices are all synonyms they all mean to reject an idea or responsibility for something, to dimiss as wrong or malevolent.

Example Question #161 : Synonyms

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

JUVENILE

Possible Answers:

Pitiful

Wizened

Immature

Sagacious

Immaculate

Correct answer:

Immature

Explanation:

The Latin prefix juven- means young, youth, as in "rejuvenate" which means to make young or healthy or lively again. So, "juvenile" means childish, immature. To provide additional help, "immaculate" means perfect, spotlessly clean; "sagacious" means wise; "wizened" means old, ancient; "pitiful" means deserving of pity, pathetic

Example Question #162 : Synonyms

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

SUPERIOR

Possible Answers:

Hotter

Softer

Better

Worse

Colder

Correct answer:

Better

Explanation:

The Latin prefix super- means better, higher. So, "superior" means better than something else or best. "Worse" is an antonym to "better." "Hotter" and "colder" are antonyms for each other, and they are used to discuss degrees of heat. "Softer" is a relative adjective used to describe tactile feel.

Example Question #161 : Synonyms

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

AMITY

Possible Answers:

Reaction

Location

Devastation

Hardship

Friendship

Correct answer:

Friendship

Explanation:

The Latin prefix ami- means love, as in "amorous" which means showing romantic feelings towards, expressing love. So, "amity" means friendship, a loving relationship. Additionally, "hardship" means difficulty; "devastation" means destruction, complete ruin, immense damage; the "location" of something is where something is; a "reaction" is a response to something someone says or does.

Example Question #162 : Synonyms

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

MARINA

Possible Answers:

Highway

Harbor

Garage

Airport

Station

Correct answer:

Harbor

Explanation:

The Latin prefix mar- means of or relating to the sea, as in "submarine," which means underwater boat. So, a "marina" is a place where ships are docked, a harbor. An "airport" fulfills roughly the same function as a marina, but for airplanes, not boats (airports are also, obviously, much more regulated environments). A "garage" fulfills a similar function, but for cars, not boats. A "station" fulfills the same function, but for trains. A "highway" is a road with a higher speed limits, intended for long-distance travel.

Example Question #163 : Synonyms

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

MAXIMUM

Possible Answers:

Richest

Smallest

Cutest

Funniest

Greatest

Correct answer:

Greatest

Explanation:

The Latin prefix max- means greatest, best. So, the "maximum" is the greatest possible number of something, the largest something can be. "Smallest" is an antonym to "greatest."

Example Question #120 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

REGULATE

Possible Answers:

Give

Repeat

Subtract

Perform

Control

Correct answer:

Control

Explanation:

The Latin prefix regu- means related to rules or law, as in "regime" which means government, a collection of rulers. So, to "regulate" means to enforce the rules, to control the actions of

Example Question #164 : Synonyms

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

AVIATOR

Possible Answers:

Guest

Host

Pilot

Speaker

Player

Correct answer:

Pilot

Explanation:

The Latin prefix avia- means bird, as in "aviary" which is a place where birds are kept. So, this problem is a little more confusing than usual, but can still be solved using logic. An "aviator" must have something in common with a "bird," well an "aviator" is a pilot. Pilots and birds can both fly. This happens sometimes with the English language due to the complexity of the origin of some words, but more often than not you can determine the meaning of words using logic and an understanding of prefixes, suffixes, and roots of words. 

Example Question #122 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Latin

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

SUBSTANDARD

Possible Answers:

Great

Poor

Grand

Jaunty

Lofty

Correct answer:

Poor

Explanation:

The Latin prefix sub- means under, beneath, as in "submerge" which means to go under water. So, "substandard" means below standard, not good enough, of poor quality. Additionally, "grand" means impressive, magnificent, great; "jaunty" means cheerful, having a good-natured personality

Example Question #123 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Latin

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

CAPTIVE

Possible Answers:

Assistant

Prisoner

Guard

Secretary

Learner

Correct answer:

Prisoner

Explanation:

The Latin prefix capt- means take, hold, as in "capture" or "intercept." So, a "captive" is someone who is being held against their will, someone who has been taken, a prisoner. "Secretary," "assistant," and "guard" are all jobs. "Learner" is a person who enjoys and is good at learning.

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