ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Prefixes from Greek

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

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Example Questions

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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:

Grievance

Fusion

Alias

Prototype

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 #2 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek

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

ACHROMATIC

Possible Answers:

Thoughtful

Metallic

Thoughtless

Colorful

Colorless

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 #3 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek

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

ANTECEDENT

Possible Answers:

Node

Lamentation

Outlier

Precursor

Frontrunner

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:

Excitement

Boredom

Happiness

Sadness

Loneliness

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 #2 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek

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

HYPERACTIVE

Possible Answers:

Restless

Cantankerous

Macabre

Rambunctious

Susceptible

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 #3 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek

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

XERIC

Possible Answers:

Hot

Mild

Cold

Wet

Dry

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 #7 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek

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

ICONOCLAST

Possible Answers:

Itinerant

Custodian

Heretic

Trailblazer

Nomad

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

Example Question #8 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek

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

CRANIUM

Possible Answers:

Skull

Wrist

Tendon

Artery

Ankle

Correct answer:

Skull

Explanation:

The Greek prefix crani- means skull, brain, as in "craniology" which is the study of the composition of the skull (it is worth noting that the suffix -ology means study of, as in "biology" or the study of life). So, "cranium" means skull or less commonly brain. Additionally, a "tendon" is a fiber that connects muscle to bone; an "artery" is a vessel that transports blood from the heart to the rest of the body

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek

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

GYNECOID

Possible Answers:

Feminine

Masculine

Juvenile

Diligent

Refined

Correct answer:

Feminine

Explanation:

The Greek prefix gyno- means related to women, as in "gynecologist" which is a doctor that specializes in the care of the female body. So, "gynecoid" means relating to women, feminine, qualities associated with women. Additionally, "diligent" means hard-working, rigorous; "masculine" means a quality associated with men; "refined" means dignified, elegant, sophisticated; "juvenile" means childish, immature.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek

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

ERGONOMIC

Possible Answers:

Capricious

Festive

Comfortable

Resplendent

Egregious

Correct answer:

Comfortable

Explanation:

The Greek prefix ergo- means work, as in "energy" or the ability to do work. So, "ergonomic" means designed to be as comfortable and user-friendly as possible for work. Additionally, "egregious" means shocking, appalling, disgraceful; "capricious" means inconsistent, subject to sudden changes in mood or desire; "resplendent" means magnificent, splendid, attractive and imposing.

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