ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms: Roots

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

AQUEDUCT

Possible Answers:

Transmission

Solubility

Pool

Conduit 

Container

Correct answer:

Conduit 

Explanation:

The root "aqua" refers to water, and the suffix "-duct" refers to something that carries something else, so an “aqueduct” is a pipe that carries drinking water from a source to a population center. Another word for something that carries things from one place to another is a “conduit.” To provide further help, "solubility" is how well a substance dissolves in water or another solute, a "transmission" is the transferral of something from one place to another; a "container" is something used to store or hold something else; and a "pool" is a small artificial body of water used for recreational swimming.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

Synonyms: Select the word or phrase that best matches the word in capital letters. 

MEMENTO

Possible Answers:

Insistence

Reminder 

Heretical 

Rancorous 

Catchphrase 

Correct answer:

Reminder 

Explanation:

A "memento" is a souvenir or a reminder of past events, so "reminder" is the correct answer. To help you, a "catchphrase" is a repeated saying associated with an individual or a character, "rancorous" means unforgiving or angry, and "heretical" means dissenting from the popular or traditional opinion, unorthodox, or going against established religious ideas.

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

BENEDICTION

Possible Answers:

Dystopia

Blessing 

Euphemism 

Curse 

Utopia 

Correct answer:

Blessing 

Explanation:

A "benediction" is a blessing, so "blessing" is the correct answer. To provide further help, a "euphemism" is a word or phrase used in place of a rude or offensive term, a "utopia" is an ideal paradise, whereas a "dystopia" is a world in which everything has gone wrong and the opposite of a "utopia."

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

SCRIPTURE

Possible Answers:

Biblical writings 

Scientific writings 

Impossible equations 

Mathematical equations

Victorian writings

Correct answer:

Biblical writings 

Explanation:

The prefix "script-" refers to writing and is related to the suffix "scribe," such as in “inscribe” or “transcribe.” “Scripture” commonly refers to Biblical writings

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

ANACHRONISM

Possible Answers:

Testament 

Diatribe 

Monument 

Hypothesis 

Relic 

Correct answer:

Relic 

Explanation:

"Chron-" refers to time or the passage of time, so an “anachronism” is something from a previous period of history or something out of its time. Its former meaning is closest in definition to a “relic,” which is an object left over from the past. To provide further help, a “testament” is evidence; a “monument” is something built to remember a great person or event; a “hypothesis” is an idea or theory that requires investigation; a “diatribe” is an angry verbal attack.

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

ACRIMONY

Possible Answers:

Rancor 

Influx

Monument 

Admonition 

Celebration 

Correct answer:

Rancor 

Explanation:

The prefix "acri-" refers to bitterness, either a bitter sensation or a bitterness of personality. In this instance it is the latter usage that is relevant, as “acrimony” is a feeling of bitterness towards someone else. This is similar in meaning to “hostility,” or “rancor,” which means resentment. To provide further help, “influx" means arrival of a large group of things or people; a “monument” is a statue built to commemorate someone or some event; and “admonition” means caution or warning.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

NOMENCLATURE

Possible Answers:

Pseudonym

Fatigue

Title

Taxonomy

Discrepancy

Correct answer:

Taxonomy

Explanation:

The prefix "nom-" means related to names, and “nomenclature” means a naming system. As such, it is most similar in meaning to “taxonomy,” which is another name for a system of naming and identifying things. To provide further help, a “discrepancy” is an inconsistency; a “pseudonym” is a fake name or a nickname; "fatigue" is exhaustion or extreme tiredness, and a "title" is the name by which a work of art or literature is known.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Roots

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

VOCATION

Possible Answers:

Occupation

Information

Account

Homework

Task

Correct answer:

Occupation

Explanation:

Since "vocation" is a noun that means job or profession we're looking for another noun that also means job. "Task" sounds like it might be the correct answer, but a "task" is a job in the sense of a piece of work to be done, it is not a day-to-day job or profession. "Occupation," on the other hand, means a job or profession, so it is the correct answer.

Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

AQUEOUS

Possible Answers:

Wispy

Watery

Sedimentary

Suggested

Correct answer:

Watery

Explanation:

The word "aqueous" means watery or pertaining to water. The best choice is "watery," as it is a part of the definition of "aqueous." Considering the other choices, "sedimentary" means having to do with sediment, "wispy" means light and delicate, and "suggested" means mentioned for consideration.

Example Question #7 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

Synonyms: Choose the word or phrase that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

TACTILE

Possible Answers:

Able to be seen

Able to be touched 

Able to be improved 

Able to be tasted 

Able to be heard

Correct answer:

Able to be touched 

Explanation:

The prefix "tact-" means related to touch, so “tactile” means able to be touched. To provide further help, “audible” means able to be heard; “visible” means able to be seen. Notice that the suffix "-ible" means able to be.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors