ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Synonyms: Using Prefixes to Identify Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #41 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms

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

DIVERGE

Possible Answers:

Remain

Spoil

Preserve

Instruct

Split

Correct answer:

Split

Explanation:

The prefixes bi- and di- mean two. As in, "biweekly" which means happening every two weeks. "Diverge" means split, separate and go in different directions. It helps to think of it like "diverge" = to go in two different directions. Additionally, "remain" means stay; "spoil" means ruin; "preserve" means maintain, save something for future use; "instruct" can mean either order, tell or teach, educate

Example Question #42 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms

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

CHRONICLE

Possible Answers:

Reproduce

Scatter

Rush

Amuse

Record

Correct answer:

Record

Explanation:

The prefix chron- means time. So, a "chronicle" is a record of events that have happened over time. Additionally, "amuse" means entertain, make laugh; "scatter" means spread out; "reproduce" means make another copy of or produce a child; "rush" means force something to happen too quickly.

Example Question #43 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms

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

ATYPICAL

Possible Answers:

Roomy

Tightfisted

Earsplitting

Uncommon

Gullible

Correct answer:

Uncommon

Explanation:

The prefix a- means not. So, "atypical" means not typical, not normal, uncommon. Additionally, "tightfisted" means not generous with money, not likely to spend money; "earsplitting" means deafening, extremely loud; "gullible" means easily tricked into believing something, easily lied to; "roomy" means spacious, containing lots of room.

Example Question #44 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms

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

COMMUNAL

Possible Answers:

Vulgar

Shared

Efficient

Remorseful

Tender

Correct answer:

Shared

Explanation:

The prefix commu- means share. As in, "community" or "communism." So, "communal" means shared among a group. Additionally, "tender" means soft and delicate, caring; "remorseful" means feeling sorry for a wrongdoing; "vulgar" means rude and tasteless, lacking class; "efficient" means able to work quickly and correctly.

Example Question #45 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms

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

ACROBAT

Possible Answers:

Omen

Academic

Gymnast

Chef

Engineer

Correct answer:

Gymnast

Explanation:

The prefix acro- means high. As in, "acropolis" which means city or building on a hill above a larger city. So, an "acrobat" is a high-flyer, otherwise known as a "gymnast." Additionally, an "omen" is a sign that warns about the future; a "chef" is someone who cooks food professionally; an "academic" is a scholar, someone who studies and teaches at a university; an "engineer" is someone who designs things for construction.

Example Question #46 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms

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

VOLUNTARY

Possible Answers:

Innocent

Sore

Scarce

Optional

Invincible

Correct answer:

Optional

Explanation:

The prefix vol- means will. "Will" when used as a noun refers to a person's ability to do what they want to do. So, someone with "free will" is in control of his or her own life and can do what he or she wants to do. So, "voluntary" means done of one's own free will, optional, chosen. Additionally, "innocent" means not guilty; "invincible" means unstoppable, unable to be defeated; "scarce" means rare, in short supply; "sore" means in pain, hurting

Example Question #47 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms

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

ULTRASENSITIVE

Possible Answers:

Temporary

Delicate

Swift

Fretful

Vigorous

Correct answer:

Delicate

Explanation:

The prefix ultra- means above, beyond. As in, "ultrawide" which means very wide, beyond wide. So, "ultrasensitive" means very sensitive, beyond sensitive. This is closest in meaning to "delicate." Additionally, "temporary" means not permanent, not long-lasting; "swift" means quick, rapid; "fretful" means worried, upset, distressed; "vigorous" means healthy, strong, fit.

Example Question #48 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms

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

SUBPAR

Possible Answers:

Rare

Poor

Grand

Fake

Real

Correct answer:

Poor

Explanation:

The prefix sub- means below. As in, "submarine" which is a ship that moves below the water. So, "subpar" means below average, of poor quality. You may have heard the word "par" used before to refer to average (such as in golf). Additionally, "grand" means great and spectacular.

Example Question #49 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms

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

AGONY

Possible Answers:

Pain

Talent

Matrimony

Humility

Integrity

Correct answer:

Pain

Explanation:

The prefix agon- means pain. As in "agonize" which means to stress and feel pain over a decision. So, "talent" is ability, skill; "humility" is modesty, lack of arrogance; "matrimony" means marriage; "integrity" means honesty, the quality of having strong principles

Example Question #50 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms

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

UNIVERSAL

Possible Answers:

Regional

Worldwide

Inconclusive

Adamant

Illegal

Correct answer:

Worldwide

Explanation:

The prefix uni- means one. As in, "unicyle" which is sort of like a bicycle, but with one wheel. So, "universal" means the same everywhere, worldwide. It helps to think of it like this "universal" = one thing that is the same everywhere. Additionally, "regional" means local, found in one region; "illegal" means against the law; "adamant" means determined, refusing to change one's mind; "inconclusive" means not leading to a definite conclusion

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