All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Latin
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
PROLOGUE
Foreword
Forsake
Forerunner
Forensic
Formless
Foreword
The prefixes "pro-" and "fore-" are very similar to one another. Both prefixes describe something that comes before something else. A “prologue” is the introduction to a story, and as such, the word is most similar in meaning to a “foreword.” None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "prologue": “formless” means without shape; “forerunner” means precursor or thing that comes before something else; “forsake” means abandon; and “forensic” means relating to the application of science to crime solving.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Latin
Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
MALPRACTICE
Maladjusted
Misinformed
Malcontent
Misconduct
Misappropriated
Misconduct
The prefix "mal-" means bad, so “malpractice” means bad practice, improper behavior. The prefix "mis-" also means bad and is often used similarly to "mal-." The key here is to figure out which suffix is closest in meaning to “practice” and the correct answer is “conduct.” “Misconduct” means doing something wrong, bad conduct. To provide further help, “misappropriated” means given to the wrong people; “misinformed” means told incorrect information; “maladjusted” means not adjusted to one's social environment; “malcontent” means not happy, not content.
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Latin
Synonyms: Choose the word or phrase that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
DISPARITY
Inequality
Astute
Repudiate
Credibility
Accountability
Inequality
The word “parity” means equality and the prefix "dis-" is a negation prefix, so “disparity” is the opposite of “parity.” The correct answer is therefore “inequality.” To provide further help, someone who is “astute” is shrewd and shows good judgment; “credibility” means believability; “accountability” means responsibility; “repudiate” means reject, renounce, disavow.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Latin
Synonyms: Choose the word or phrase that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
EQUANIMITY
Despondency
Inspiration
Hopelessness
Composure
Motivation
Composure
The prefix equa- means same as, equal to, even, so the word “equanimity” means having an evenness of mind, showing “composure.” “Composure” is a calmness in the face of difficulty. To provide further help, “inspiration” is something that makes you want to do something; “motivation” is the reason for doing something; “despondency” means hopelessness.
Example Question #51 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DISAVOWAL
Acceptance
Renunciation
Denunciation
Proviso
Encouragement
Renunciation
To “disavow” means to deny or renounce responsibility for someone or something, as such "disavowal" is closest in meaning to “renunciation,” which means rejection or denial of something. To provide further help, “encouragement” is support; a “proviso” is a condition that must be met in order to get something done or attain something; "acceptance" means agreeing to receive something or go along with a plan; and "denunciation" means condemnation.
Example Question #1 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms
A synonym of "imperceptible" is __________.
filial
wise
prominent
undetectable
secret
undetectable
"Imperceptible" is an adjective that means "impossible to perceive," so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "impossible to perceive." So, "prominent" cannot be the correct answer because one meaning of "prominent" is "situated so as to catch the attention; noticeable," making it an antonym of "imperceptible." "Undetectable," however, is an adjective that means "not able to be detected," and because it is the answer choice closest in meaning to "imperceptible," "undetectable" is the correct answer.
Example Question #52 : Synonyms
Synonyms: Choose the word or phrase that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
TRANSVERSE
Perpendicular
Parallel
Slope
Slanting
Gradient
Slanting
The prefix trans- means across or travel. The word “transverse” means to travel across something in a slanting or diagonal manner. To provide further help, “parallel” means side-by-side; “perpendicular” means intersecting just once, opposite of parallel; “gradient” and “slope” are synonyms of one another and mathematical terms, both mean incline or angle of rising.
Example Question #53 : Synonyms
Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
INCARNATE
Personified
Serendipitous
Synthesis
Portent
Pertinent
Personified
"Carn-" means in the flesh, related to the body. “Incarnate” literally means in the flesh; however, it is taken to mean “personified,” which means the epitome of something, the most obvious example of something. To provide further help, “serendipitous” means owed to good fortune; a “synthesis” is a mixture; a “portent” is an omen; “pertinent” means relevant.
Example Question #54 : Synonyms
A synonym of "indeterminate" is __________.
definite
miraculous
charismatic
unspecified
predatory
unspecified
"Indeterminate" is an adjective that means "not exactly known, established, or defined." So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "not exactly defined." "Definite," then, cannot be the correct answer, because "definite," which means "clearly stated or decided; not vague or doubtful" or "clearly true or real; unambiguous," is an antonym of "indeterminate," not a synonym. "Unspecified," however, is an adjective that means "not stated clearly or exactly," and because "unspecified" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "indeterminate," "unspecified" is the correct answer.
Example Question #55 : Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
PRESCIENT
Do
Sentient
Foreknowing
Science
Foreknowing
The word "prescient" means having knowledge of things before they happen. The best choice is "foreknowing," as it shares the same definition as "prescient." Considering the other choices, "do" means perform an act, "science" is knowledge gained from systematic study, and "sentient" means conscious.
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