All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #32 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INFUSE
Compel
Shoot
Bewilder
Introduce
Fill
Fill
The word “infuse” is derived from the obvious prefix “in-”, which here means just that—“in”—and the base “-fuse,” which is derived from the Latin for “to pour.” Someone “infuses” one thing with another when the latter is added to the former. More strictly speaking, the word implies that one thing fills another, as when someone’s thought is said to be “infused with their pains and agonies.” Still, the word can also mean “to add or instill into.” The former is the meaning implied by the options provided in the answers, as “fill” is the only acceptable answer among them.
Example Question #33 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EQUANIMITY
Ambiguity
Composure
Immorality
Assimilation
Sentiment
Composure
The root "equ" in "equanimity" means equal, and "anima" is the Latin term for soul or spirit, so it makes sense that “equanimity” means evenness of temper, calm, or "composure." “Immorality” is wickedness, immoral actions, or depravity; “ambiguity” is uncertainty or vagueness of meaning; “assimilation” means the act of absorbing something new, like information or the act of taking on characteristics of a different culture in which one is living; and “sentiment” means feeling.
Example Question #31 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EXTROVERTED
Radical
Reserved
Outgoing
Calculating
Precocious
Outgoing
The prefix "extro-" means outside, so it makes sense that “extroverted” means outgoing and gregarious. As for the other answer choices, "reserved" means shy and inhibited or unavailable because something is being kept for someone specific; “calculating” means cunning, ruthless, crafty, and shrewd; “radical” means holding or supporting extreme reform; and "precocious" means developing and learning at an advanced rate.
Example Question #34 : Synonyms: Prefixes
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DEFUNCT
Suppressed
Disorderly
Considerate
Inoperative
Hampered
Inoperative
The prefix "de-" can mean away or remove, and the rest of the word, "-funct," is related to the Latin term meaning work (think of the English word "function"). It thus makes sense that "defunct" means no longer working or "inoperative." As for the other answer choices, "suppressed” means held down, repressed, or crushed; “disorderly” means out of control; “hampered” means impeded, obstructed, or slowed down; and "considerate" means thinking of other people's feelings when making decisions or deciding how to act.
Example Question #32 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CONSTITUTE
decriminalize
legalize
establish
oversee
sign
establish
The word “constitute” is comprised of two parts that you likely know. The prefix “con-” means “with” and is found in “concur” as well as in the related “cum-” form in “cumulative” and the “com-” form in “commune.” The “-stitute” comes from the Latin for “to stand” or “to set up.” The United States “Constitution” is so named because it “sets up” the whole nation out of the parts from which it is “constituted.” The word can also mean “to be a part out of a whole,” as in, “The small group constituted a minority in the larger society.”
Example Question #41 : Synonyms: Prefixes
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CONVIVIAL
Audible
Skipping
Sociable
Intoxicated
Roaring
Sociable
The word “convivial” literally means “living with.” It is derived from the prefix “con-”, meaning “with” and the base “-vivial,” which is related to a cluster of words signifying life or living such as “vivacious,” “survive,” and “revive.” When someone is “convivial,” he or she is friendly or sociable. It is this latter sense that is found among the possible answers.
Example Question #41 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PROGRESSIVE
Exorbitant
Futuristic
Libertine
Developing
Destined
Developing
The word “progressive” is related to words like “regress” and “digression.” It is comprised of two roots, both of which are likely familiar. The prefix “pro-” here means “forward.” The “-gress” comes from the Latin word for “to step.” The words “grade” and “gradual” both come from this same base, as do the aforementioned words. The word “progress” means “a step forward” in the sense of advancing some activity or cause. The word “progressive” has many uses, though they all are related to this sense of “advancing.” A “progressive” idea is often one that looks to advance or make better the world. It often comes with the additional sense of being “enlightened” (sometimes implying, unfairly, that those who hesitate to make such changes are not as high-minded). Among the options provided, “developing” most closely fits the sense of “advancing.”
Example Question #41 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ATHEIST
Nonbeliever
Heretic
Immoralist
Secularist
Scientist
Nonbeliever
The word “atheist” means “one who does not believe in the existence of any god. The “a-” prefix here is privative, making the word to mean the opposite of the base “theist.”
The base itself means “one believing in God.” It is found in other words like “theology” (the study of God or gods) and “pantheism” (the belief that the world and God are identical). Likewise, the “th” becomes “d” in some contexts like “deity” and “deism.” Among the options given, the best is “nonbeliever.” Do not be tricked by the other options that are at most accidentally related to the word “atheist.”
Example Question #1791 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ANTECEDENT
Intention
Precursor
Predicate
Maneuver
Appreciation
Precursor
"Antecedent" is a noun that means "a thing or event that existed before or logically precedes another," so we need to pick out another answer choice that means something like "forerunner." "Predicate" may look like a potentially correct answer because both it and "antecedent" have meanings specific to grammar. ("Antecedent" can also mean "a word, phrase, clause, or sentence to which another word (especially following a relative pronoun) refers.") However, "predicate" does not mean the same thing as "antecedent," so it cannot be the correct answer. "Precursor," a noun which means "a person or thing that comes before another of the same kind; a forerunner," is the answer choice that is closest in meaning to "antecedent," so "precursor" is the correct answer.
Example Question #45 : Synonyms: Prefixes
EULOGY
Kindness
Discussion
Funeral
Panegyric
Oration
Panegyric
Often, one speaks of a “eulogy” being delivered at a funeral, but such speeches are not necessarily limited to those occasions. The word is comprise of the prefix “eu-” and “-logy.” The former means “good.” It is found in the word “euphony,” meaning “good sounding.” The “-logy” portion of “eulogy” means “words” as found in the English word “logic.” For these reasons, “eulogy” generally means a speech given in praise of someone. A panegyric is likewise such a positive speech.
All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
