ISEE Upper Level Verbal : ISEE Upper Level (grades 9-12) Verbal Reasoning

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #73 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Latin

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

CARNAL

Possible Answers:

Explicit

Erotic

Implicit

Outlandish

Despotic

Correct answer:

Erotic

Explanation:

The Latin prefix carn- means related to the body or flesh, meat, as in "carnivorous" which means meat-eater. So, "carnal" means related to sexual desire, erotic. Additionally, "despotic" means autocratic, the rule of one man with absolute power; "outlandish" means eccentric, bizarre and outrageous; "implicit" means suggested at, but not directly expressed; "explicit" means directly expressed with no hidden meaning

Example Question #74 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Latin

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

VERISIMILITUDE

Possible Answers:

Deity

Ingenuity

Authenticity

Serendipity

Originality

Correct answer:

Authenticity

Explanation:

The Latin prefix ver- means truth, honesty, as in "verify," which means to confirm that something is true. So, "verisimilitude" means the appearance of being true, authenticity, plausibility, realism. Additionally, a "deity" is a God; "serendipity" is the occurrence of something through good fortune, providence, luck; "originality" is the quality of being original and unique; "ingenuity" is the quality of being inventive and creative.

Example Question #75 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Latin

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

SOMNOLENT

Possible Answers:

Sleepy

Grumpy

Cheerful

Greedy

Hungry

Correct answer:

Sleepy

Explanation:

The Latin prefix somn- means sleep, as in "somnambulist," which means sleepwalker. So, "somnolent" means tired, drowsy, sleepy. "Grumpy" is an adjective used to describe people or behavior that is ill tempered. "Cheerful" is an antonym to "grumpy."

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek

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

PSEUDONYM

Possible Answers:

Alias

Prototype

Grievance

Fusion

Diffidence

Correct answer:

Alias

Explanation:

The prefix "pseudo-" means fake or artificial, so it makes sense that a “pseudonym” is a fake name, or an “alias.” A “grievance” is an injustice you feel has been done to you or a problem you might have with something; “fusion” means blend or combination; “diffidence” is lack of self-confidence; and a “prototype” is a first model of something.

Example Question #71 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

ACHROMATIC

Possible Answers:

Colorful

Thoughtful

Colorless

Metallic

Thoughtless

Correct answer:

Colorless

Explanation:

The prefix "a-" means without and "chromatic" means having to do with color, so “achromatic” means without color or "colorless." As for the other answer choices, "thoughtless" means inconsiderate and not thinking about others; “colorful” means full of color; “thoughtful” means considerate and kind; “metallic” means made of metal.

Example Question #81 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

ANTECEDENT

Possible Answers:

Node

Frontrunner

Precursor

Lamentation

Outlier

Correct answer:

Precursor

Explanation:

To solve this synonym problem you need to rely on your knowledge of Greek prefixes. The prefix ante- means before, so an "antecedent" is something that comes before, also known as a "precursor." To provide further help, a "lamentation" is an expression of mourning; a "frontrunner" is a favorite in a competition; an "outlier" is unusual, outside of the normal reach of data; a "node" is a regional center of human activity

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek

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

EUPHORIA

Possible Answers:

Sadness

Happiness

Loneliness

Excitement

Boredom

Correct answer:

Happiness

Explanation:

The prefix eu- in Greek means good, fine. So the word "euphoria" means a state of feeling very good, deep happiness

Example Question #83 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

HYPERACTIVE

Possible Answers:

Rambunctious

Macabre

Susceptible

Cantankerous

Restless

Correct answer:

Restless

Explanation:

The Greek prefix hyper- means too much of, so "hyperactive" means having too much energy, restless. Additionally, "cantankerous" means grumpy, bad-tempered; "rambunctious" means playful and boisterous, rowdy; "macabre" means related to death; "susceptible" means vulnerable, likely to be affected by

Example Question #1831 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

XERIC

Possible Answers:

Mild

Dry

Wet

Hot

Cold

Correct answer:

Dry

Explanation:

The Greek prefix xer- means dry, so "xeric" means containing very little moisture, dry and arid. "Wet" is an antonym to "xeric."

Example Question #84 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

ICONOCLAST

Possible Answers:

Nomad

Itinerant

Custodian

Heretic

Trailblazer

Correct answer:

Heretic

Explanation:

The Greek prefix icono- means image, as in "iconography" which refers to images used in works of art or traditional settings. So, an "iconoclast" is someone who attacks the image of a treasured institution, a critic, a heretic. Additionally, a "trailblazer" is a pioneer; a "nomad" is someone who wanders from place to place and does not live anywhere; an "itinerant" is a wanderer, a nomad; a "custodian" is a caretaker, someone who looks after something for someone else

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