ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Prefixes from Greek
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Example Questions
Example Question #131 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
NECROMANCER
Conformist
Witch
Cretin
Heathen
Preacher
Witch
The Greek prefix necro- means death, black, as in "necrosis" which is the death of skin or tissue. So, a "necromancer" means practitioner of dark magic. This is closest in meaning to "witch." Additionally, a "heathen" is a non-believer within a religion; a "cretin" is someone lacking morals or intellect, someone deserving of contempt; a "conformist" is someone who follows the generally accepted behavior of a society or group of people.
Example Question #132 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
HEMORRHAGE
Replicate
Expire
Bleed
Mourn
Weep
Bleed
The Greek prefix hemo- means blood. So, a "hemorrhage" is a bleed, to "hemorrhage" is to bleed profusely, to bleed a lot. Additionally, "weep" means cry about; "mourn" means express sorrow for the loss of; to "expire" means to run out, to stop being usable; "replicate" means copy, reproduce.
Example Question #133 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SOPHISM
Forerunner
Artisan
Savant
Fallacy
Epicurean
Fallacy
The Greek prefix soph- means wise, as in "philosopher" or "sophisticated;" however, in "sophist" it has a contrary meaning. A "sophist" is a misleading argument, an argument that appears wise but is in fact not. This is closest in meaning to "fallacy," which means an incorrect argument or assumption. Additionally, "epicurean" means hedonist, a lover of pleasure and indulgence; a "savant" is a learned person, particularly someone who seems to have unusually intense expertise in one area; an "artisan" is a craftsman, a skilled-worker; a "forerunner" is something or someone that comes before the development or emergence of something or someone else, a precursor.
Example Question #134 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PSEUDONYM
Alias
Prototype
Grievance
Diffidence
Fusion
Alias
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.
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