All ISEE Lower Level Verbal Resources
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.
ATYPICAL
Gullible
Roomy
Tightfisted
Earsplitting
Uncommon
Uncommon
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 #42 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
COMMUNAL
Tender
Remorseful
Vulgar
Shared
Efficient
Shared
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 #42 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ACROBAT
Omen
Gymnast
Engineer
Academic
Chef
Gymnast
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 #43 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
VOLUNTARY
Innocent
Invincible
Optional
Scarce
Sore
Optional
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 #44 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ULTRASENSITIVE
Temporary
Swift
Delicate
Vigorous
Fretful
Delicate
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 #76 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SUBPAR
Poor
Grand
Real
Rare
Fake
Poor
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 #77 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AGONY
Talent
Integrity
Matrimony
Pain
Humility
Pain
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 #45 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
UNIVERSAL
Illegal
Worldwide
Adamant
Regional
Inconclusive
Worldwide
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.
Example Question #51 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DYNAMIC
Alluring
Hellish
Wacky
Forceful
Frail
Forceful
The prefix dyna- means force, power, energy. As in "dynamite" which is a sort of bomb that produces a powerful explosion. So, "dynamic" means forceful, energetic, powerful. Additionally, "alluring" means appealing, attractive; "wacky" means crazy, weird; "hellish" means resembling hell, awful, terrible; "frail" means weak, usually sick, weak, and old.
Example Question #51 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INTERMISSION
Break
Duty
Inquest
Harmony
Drama
Break
The prefix inter- means between. As in "international" which means including or existing between two or more nations. So, "intermission" means a break in between two parts of a performance. Additionally, "harmony" means peace, agreement; "duty" is something that has to be done, responsibility; an "inquest" is a formal inquiry into something that happened; a "drama" is an emotional event.
All ISEE Lower Level Verbal Resources
