ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Suffixes from Greek

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Suffixes From Greek

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

ICONOCLAST

Possible Answers:

Critic

Purveyor

Vendor

Peddler

Fanatic

Correct answer:

Critic

Explanation:

The suffix -clast is of Greek origin, it means break. An "iconoclast" is a critic, someone who tries to break an institution by attacking it. To provide further help, a "fanatic" is someone who cares deeply about something; "vendor," "purveyor," and "peddler" are all synonyms - they all mean seller.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Suffixes From Greek

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

ANARCHY

Possible Answers:

Utopia

Disgust

Redemption

Order

Chaos

Correct answer:

Chaos

Explanation:

"Anarchy" means chaos, the lack of a political order. As a word it can be easily broken down to its component parts. The prefix an- means without and the root -arch- means leader, chief. So "anarchy" is without a leader, without a government, the lack of political order

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