ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, and Roots to Identify Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #111 : Synonyms

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

CEREBRATE

Possible Answers:

Ignore

Protest

Disguise

Reason

Outlaw

Correct answer:

Reason

Explanation:

In Latin the prefix cereb- means related to the brain. So, to "cerebrate" means to think, to reason, to think carefully and logically. "Cereb-" is an extremely strong push toward this question being focused on the brain or thinking, and "reason" was the only option that had anything to do with mental processes.

Example Question #112 : Synonyms

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

CLAMOR

Possible Answers:

Whisper

Disagree

Outline

Yell

Agree

Correct answer:

Yell

Explanation:

The prefix clam- means shout, speak out about. So the word "clamor" means to yell, to speak out passionately about. "Clamor" has nothing to do with agreeing or disagreeing, and "whisper" is an antonym to "clamor."

Example Question #113 : Synonyms

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

DIGRESSION

Possible Answers:

Reluctance

Acceptance

Ambition

Delight

Departure

Correct answer:

Departure

Explanation:

The Latin prefix di- means away, apart, opposite, as in "disappear" which means vanish, away from sight. So, a "digression" is a departure from the main point, something apart from the thesis. Additionally, "reluctance" is the state of not wanting to do something; "delight" is happiness, joy; "ambition" is a passionate desire to achieve success

Example Question #114 : Synonyms

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

CLAMOR

Possible Answers:

Shout

Forgive

Narrate

Declare

Whisper

Correct answer:

Shout

Explanation:

The Latin prefix clam- means shout, yell, as in "proclaim" which means announce, speak about publicly. So, "clamor" means to shout and yell for something

Example Question #115 : Synonyms

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

PREAMBLE

Possible Answers:

Glossary

Introduction

Thesis

Index

Conclusion

Correct answer:

Introduction

Explanation:

The Latin prefix pre- means before, as in "prediction" or "prevent." So, a "preamble" is the introduction to a written work. "Conclusion" is an antonym "introduction" and "preamble." The rest of the terms are academic terms, or sections of a book but are not directly related to "preamble."

Example Question #116 : Synonyms

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

CARNAL

Possible Answers:

Erotic

Outlandish

Explicit

Implicit

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 #117 : Synonyms

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

VERISIMILITUDE

Possible Answers:

Ingenuity

Originality

Authenticity

Deity

Serendipity

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 #121 : Synonyms

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

SOMNOLENT

Possible Answers:

Hungry

Greedy

Sleepy

Grumpy

Cheerful

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:

Grievance

Fusion

Prototype

Alias

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 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

ACHROMATIC

Possible Answers:

Colorless

Thoughtful

Thoughtless

Metallic

Colorful

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.

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