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 #124 : Synonyms

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

ANTECEDENT

Possible Answers:

Outlier

Node

Lamentation

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 #125 : Synonyms

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

EUPHORIA

Possible Answers:

Sadness

Happiness

Excitement

Loneliness

Boredom

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 #126 : Synonyms

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

HYPERACTIVE

Possible Answers:

Rambunctious

Restless

Macabre

Cantankerous

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 #127 : Synonyms

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

XERIC

Possible Answers:

Wet

Dry

Hot

Cold

Mild

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 #128 : Synonyms

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

ICONOCLAST

Possible Answers:

Heretic

Nomad

Itinerant

Custodian

Trailblazer

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 #129 : Synonyms

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

CRANIUM

Possible Answers:

Tendon

Artery

Skull

Wrist

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 #130 : Synonyms

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

GYNECOID

Possible Answers:

Diligent

Juvenile

Masculine

Refined

Feminine

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 #3 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek

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

ERGONOMIC

Possible Answers:

Egregious

Resplendent

Festive

Comfortable

Capricious

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.

Example Question #81 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

NECROMANCER

Possible Answers:

Cretin

Heathen

Conformist

Preacher

Witch

Correct answer:

Witch

Explanation:

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 #82 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

HEMORRHAGE

Possible Answers:

Bleed

Weep

Mourn

Replicate

Expire

Correct answer:

Bleed

Explanation:

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

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