ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #171 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

SURPASS

Possible Answers:

Neutralize

Undermine

Exceed

Summit

Regress

Correct answer:

Exceed

Explanation:

When someone "surpasses" something such as a world record in running, it means they "exceed" the previously set limit or expectation. The other answer chocies are as follows: to "summit" is to reach the peak; to "regress" is to go backwards; to "undermine" is to weaken; and to "neutralize" is to counteract.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Other Languages

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

REDOUBTABLE

Possible Answers:

Clingy

Daunting

Pathetic

Gross

Superlative

Correct answer:

Daunting

Explanation:

“Redoubtable” is an adjective that means “formidable” when referring to a person, so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “formidable.” That means that “pathetic” cannot be the correct answer, because “pathetic” means “arousing pity,” making it a near antonym, not a synonym, of “redoubtable.” “Daunting,” however, is an adjective that means “intimidating,” and because “daunting” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “redoubtable,” “daunting” is the correct answer.

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