ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #311 : Synonyms

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

SUBMERGED

Possible Answers:

Seafaring

Buoyant

Underwater

Nautical

Buried

Correct answer:

Underwater

Explanation:

The prefix "sub-" means under, and the "-mer-" in "submerged" stems from the Latin root "mar," which means having to do with the ocean or sea; so, it makes sense that "submerged" means located under the ocean or sea, or completely underwater. "Underwater" is thus the best answer choice. As for the other answer choices, "buoyant" means floating on top of the water instead of being partially or completely underwater; "buried" means located underneath the ground or a pile of solid objects; "nautical" means having to do with the sea or ocean; and "seafaring" means working on ships or using ships to travel over water often.

Example Question #312 : Synonyms

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

EXTRATERRESTRIAL

Possible Answers:

Astronomical

Alien

Microscopic

Sage

Ground-dwelling

Correct answer:

Alien

Explanation:

The prefix "extra-" means beyond, and the "-terre-" in "extraterrestrial" comes from the root "terra," meaning earth, so it makes sense that “extraterrestrial” means from beyond the Earth, or alien in origin. As for the other answer choices, "ground-dwelling" means living on or in the ground; "sage," when used as an adjective, means very wise; "astronomical" means having to do with astronomy or extremely large; and "microscopic" means extremely small or so small that a microscope is needed to aid one's vision for the thing described to be seen.

Example Question #61 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

BELLIGERENT

Possible Answers:

Creative

Demanding

Wanton

Whimsical

Hostile

Correct answer:

Hostile

Explanation:

The "bell-" part of "belligerent" comes from the root word "bellum," the Latin word for war. This word appears in other English words like "antebellum" (before the Civil War) and "bellicose" (antagonistic and wanting to fight). So, it is unsurprising that "belligerent" means warlike, aggressive, or "hostile." As for the other answer choices, someone who is “creative” is imaginative and innovative; “whimsical” means silly, strange, and amusing; “wanton” means random; and “demanding” means arduous or requiring a lot of time, effort, and work.

Example Question #62 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

VOCATION

Possible Answers:

Calling

Recreation

Articulation

Fulfillment

Leisure

Correct answer:

Calling

Explanation:

The word "vocation" comes from the Latin word "vocare," which means to call or speak. This word is often used in the sense of a "calling" to a given career or job. Hence, we sometimes speak of "vocational training." Also, people who become ministers or priests in Christian religions will often speak of their "vocation." Finally, another example can be found when people speak of a "vocation" as a general calling to do some sort of deed. A philanthropist might find helping a given charity to be his or her "vocation."

Example Question #63 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

STELLAR

Possible Answers:

Scientific

Vivacious

Marvelous

Physical

Telescopic

Correct answer:

Marvelous

Explanation:

The word "stellar" comes from the Latin word "stella," meaning star. Thus, something that is called "stellar" is something that is as bright and rare as a star. This is meant to describe something that is marvelous, outstanding, or superlative. The word can also describe things in outer space—like stars. Thus, one would speak of "stellar phenomena," but none of the options pertain to that meaning. Do not be tempted by options like "scientific" and "telescopic."

Example Question #64 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

DESPOT

Possible Answers:

Supply

King

Tyrant

Store

Leader

Correct answer:

Tyrant

Explanation:

First of all, do not confuse "despot" with "depot," which is a place where things are stored. A "despot" is a type of leader that has absolute power and is usually wicked. The "-pot" portion of the word comes from the Latin root for "power" or "ability." We see this same root in "possible," "potential," and "potent." Thus, the best option among those given is "tyrant," which describes a ruler who is powerful and wicked.

Example Question #65 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

COMPACT

Possible Answers:

Dense

Inexpensive

Thorough

Prepared

Cheap

Correct answer:

Dense

Explanation:

The word "compact" comes from two Latin roots. The prefix "com-" means with or together. It can also be "cum-" or "con-" (as well as numerous other forms). The "-pact" portion of the word comes from roots meaning fastened. Thus, something that is "compact" has parts that are tightly fixed together. When something has parts that are related in this way, it is dense. Several of the other options attempt to trick you into choosing based on other thoughts you might have about compact items. For instance, a compact car is a small one. These may be inexpensive or cheap; however, that is not necessarily of the essence of being compact.

Example Question #66 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

UNIVERSAL

Possible Answers:

Spatial

Logical

Cosmic

Scientific

Complete

Correct answer:

Complete

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Important

Famous

Brilliant

Isolated

Bright

Correct answer:

Isolated

Explanation:

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 #68 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

SEQUENCE

Possible Answers:

Dramatic

Written

Order

Entertainment

Intellectual

Correct answer:

Order

Explanation:

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!"

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