All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Prefixes
Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
INCARNATE
Synthesis
Personified
Pertinent
Portent
Serendipitous
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 #12 : Synonyms: Prefixes
A synonym of "indeterminate" is __________.
miraculous
unspecified
predatory
charismatic
definite
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 #13 : Synonyms: Prefixes
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.
Example Question #14 : Synonyms: Prefixes
Synonyms: Choose the word or phrase that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
SUBLIMINAL
Posthumous
Remonstrate
Outlying
Unconscious
Comparable
Unconscious
The prefix sub- means beneath or under. “Subliminal” means occurring beneath the surface of your understanding; this is closest in definition to “unconscious.” “Conscious” means aware, so “unconscious” means an understanding you are not aware of. “Unconscious” can also mean passed-out. To provide further help, “posthumous” means occurring after death; “outlying” means remote; “remonstrate” means argue, protest; “comparable” means similar, able to be compared.
Example Question #15 : Synonyms: Prefixes
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INNOCUOUS
Malodorous
Benevolent
Malfeasant
Malevolent
Benign
Benign
“Innocuous” means not harmful, which is identical in definition to “benign.” Here might be a good time to examine the differences between the prefixes "ben-" and "mal-." "Ben-"means good, positive, helpful, etc. and "mal-" means bad, evil, hurtful, etc. “Malevolent” means evil or wicked-natured and “benevolent” means good-natured, while “malfeasant” means exhibiting bad behavior and “malodorous” means bad-smelling.
Example Question #16 : Synonyms: Prefixes
Synonyms: Select the word or phrase that best matches the word in capital letters.
MALCONTENT
Obsequious
Mercurial
Whimsical
Nostalgic
Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
“Malcontent” means not content, dissatisfied. To provide further guidance, "whimsical" means quirky and silly; "mercurial" means enigmatic and hard to predict; "nostalgic" means having fond memories about the past; "obsequious" means flattering.
Example Question #17 : Synonyms: Prefixes
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INCREDULOUS
Enthusiastic
Awestruck
Uncertain
Disbelieving
Imaginative
Disbelieving
"Incredulous" means disbelieving or doubtful of the credibility of something. Thus, the best answer choice is "disbelieving." For instance, if a child gives an incredulous look about whether drinking tea will help his or her cold, it means that the child is doubtful whether the tea can help him or her.
Example Question #18 : Synonyms: Prefixes
A synonym of "unruly" is __________.
low
well-behaved
beneficial
opinionated
rowdy
rowdy
"Unruly" is an adjective that means "disorderly and disruptive and not amenable to discipline or control." So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "disruptive." "Well-behaved" cannot be the correct answer, then, because "well-behaved" is an antonym of "disruptive." "Rowdy," however, is an adjective that means "noisy and disorderly," and because "rowdy" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "unruly," "rowdy" is the correct answer.
Example Question #19 : Synonyms: Prefixes
A synonym of "malevolent" is __________.
tired
malicious
malodorous
worrisome
malingering
malicious
"Malevolent" is an adjective that means "having or showing a wish to do evil to others," so we need to pick out a word that means something like "wanting to do evil to others." While three of the answer choices begin with the negative prefix "mal-," only "malicious," an adjective that means "characterized by malice; intending or intended to do harm," is close in meaning to "malevolent." Because "malicious" is the answer choice that is closest in meaning to "malevolent," "malicious" is the correct answer.
Example Question #20 : Synonyms: Prefixes
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
CONGENIAL
Inherited
Amiable
Magical
Youthful
Amiable
"Congenial" and "congenital" are etymologically related but have quite different meanings. "Congenital" means present from birth (if you chose "inherited," you were likely thinking of this word). "Congenial" means agreeable and pleasant to be around. Both words combine the roots "com-" (meaning together) and "-gen" (meaning birth), but they take these root combinations in different directions—"congenital" more literally relating to inborn qualities, and "congenial" relating to the kind of relationship "kindred spirits" might have.
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