ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Prefixes from Anglo-Saxon

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #92 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

FOREBEAR

Possible Answers:

Descendent

Mosaic

Ancestor

Outlaw

Discord

Correct answer:

Ancestor

Explanation:

The prefix "fore-" means before, so it makes sense that "forebear" means progenitor or "ancestor." As for the other answers, “descendent” means someone who descends from a particular person or animal; an “outlaw” is a criminal; "discord” means disagreement or conflict; and a “mosaic” is a pattern or picture produced by arranging many small colorful pieces of glass in a ceramic base.

Example Question #94 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

OVERBEARING

Possible Answers:

Humiliating

Atrocious

Deleterious

Oppressive

Monotonous

Correct answer:

Oppressive

Explanation:

The prefix "over-" means above or superior, so it makes sense that “overbearing” means assuming superiority and acting oppressively and arrogantly towards others. This means that "oppressive" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “monotonous” means boring, uniform, and predictable; “humiliating” means debasing or embarrassing, “atrocious” means appalling, terrible, and disgusting; “deleterious” means harmful.

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