ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Prefixes
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Example Questions
Example Question #13 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SOPHISM
Forerunner
Savant
Fallacy
Epicurean
Artisan
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 #14 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PSEUDONYM
Grievance
Fusion
Diffidence
Prototype
Alias
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.
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Anglo Saxon
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FOREBEAR
Outlaw
Discord
Ancestor
Descendent
Mosaic
Ancestor
The prefix "fore-" means before, so it makes sense that "forebear" means progenitor or "ancestor." As for the other answers, “descendent” means someone who descends from a particular person or animal; an “outlaw” is a criminal; "discord” means disagreement or conflict; and a “mosaic” is a pattern or picture produced by arranging many small colorful pieces of glass in a ceramic base.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Anglo Saxon
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
OVERBEARING
Deleterious
Humiliating
Monotonous
Atrocious
Oppressive
Oppressive
The prefix "over-" means above or superior, so it makes sense that “overbearing” means assuming superiority and acting oppressively and arrogantly towards others. This means that "oppressive" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “monotonous” means boring, uniform, and predictable; “humiliating” means debasing or embarrassing, “atrocious” means appalling, terrible, and disgusting; “deleterious” means harmful.
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