ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms: Roots

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Roots

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

ACRID

Possible Answers:

Pacifying

Soothing 

Jaunty 

Cantankerous 

Sharp 

Correct answer:

Sharp 

Explanation:

The prefix "acri-" means related to bitterness or harshness. The word “acrid” means unpleasantly sharp or bitter in smell or taste. To provide further help, “soothing” means comforting; “pacifying” means calming; “jaunty” means cheerful; “cantankerous” means grumpy

Example Question #12 : Synonyms: Roots

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

DUCTILE

Possible Answers:

Rigid

Hollow

Original

Sticky

Pliant

Correct answer:

Pliant

Explanation:

The Latin root "duct" means to lead. You may, for example, have seen an "aqueduct," which literally "leads water" in a particular direction. Someone or something that is "ductile" is "able to be led," in the sense of being easily influenced or bendable. This is also the meaning of the word "pliant." "Rigid" is an antonym.

Example Question #13 : Synonyms: Roots

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

OCULAR

Possible Answers:

Tactile 

Audio 

Condemned 

Blessed

Visual 

Correct answer:

Visual 

Explanation:

The prefix "ocu-" refers to being able to see, or to the eyes. This is similar to the prefix "vis-," which means to see. We can infer that “ocular” and “visual” are closely related to one another. To provide further help, “audio” means having to do with sound and hearing; “tactile” means able to be touched; “condemned” means considered guilty and awaiting punishment.

Example Question #14 : Synonyms: Roots

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

TENABLE

Possible Answers:

Reasonable

Debunk

Ambiguous

Catastrophic

Sporadic

Correct answer:

Reasonable

Explanation:

The prefix "ten-" means able to be held or defended, so the word “tenable” describes an idea that is able to be held or defended. We could also call this a “reasonable” idea. To provide further help, “debunk” means disprove; “catastrophic” means disastrous; “ambiguous” means unclear; “sporadic” means random and occurring infrequently.

Example Question #15 : Synonyms: Roots

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

PLACID

Possible Answers:

Silver

Dirty 

Soft 

Calm

Slow

Correct answer:

Calm

Explanation:

The word "placid" means calm and peaceful. For example, one might write, "You could see your reflection like a mirror image in the placid lake." So, "calm" is the correct answer.

Example Question #221 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

AGRARIAN

Possible Answers:

Urban

Scientific

Literary

Agricultural

Faithful

Correct answer:

Agricultural

Explanation:

The prefix "agr-" means having to do with farming or the land, as seen in the word “agriculture.” The word “agrarian” means having to do with to the land or agriculture, so "of land" is the correct answer.

Example Question #17 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

HOSPITABLE

Possible Answers:

Incompatible

Neighborly

Cautious

Ideal

Correct answer:

Neighborly

Explanation:

"Hospitable" means generous and friendly in entertaining guests, so "neighborly" would be the best match, as both words mean friendly.

Example Question #222 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

HOSPITABLE

Possible Answers:

Bored

Friendly

Hostile

Guest

Correct answer:

Friendly

Explanation:

"Hospitable" means receiving guests warmly and generously. The best choice is "friendly" because it means showing kindness and helpfulness. Someone who receives guests warmly and generously would be acting in a friendly manner toward those guests. 

Example Question #222 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

BENEVOLENT

Possible Answers:

Ruckus

Compassionate

Violent

Loud

Correct answer:

Compassionate

Explanation:

The word "benevolent" means kind and caring. The best choice is "compassionate" because it shares the same definition. Considering the other choices, "violent" means acting with uncontrolled, rough force, "loud" means great in volume, and "ruckus" means noisy commotion.

Example Question #224 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

DIFFIDENT

Possible Answers:

Thoughtless 

Hesitant 

Reckless 

Swift 

Hasty 

Correct answer:

Hesitant 

Explanation:

The root "fid" refers to belief, so someone who is “diffident” is lacking self-belief. Of the five answer choices, this is most similar in meaning to “hesitant,” which means uncertain and not confident. To provide further help, “reckless” means careless, quick to get into danger; “hasty” means rushed; “swift” means very quick; and “thoughtless” means carless, inconsiderate

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