All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #148 : Synonyms: Prefixes
Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
ARCHENEMY
Bellow
Debris
Rival
Catastrophe
Nomad
Rival
You likely know that “enemy” is similar in meaning to “rival,” so the key to answering this question is to understand how the prefix "arch-" changes the meaning of the word “enemy.” In this instance, the meaning is unchanged. "Arch-" means chief or primary, so your “archenemy” is your biggest enemy or rival. To provide further help, “bellow” means to yell; “debris” is the fallen parts of things after they are broken; a “nomad” is someone who wanders from place to place without making a home; “catastrophe” means disaster.
Example Question #149 : Synonyms: Prefixes
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DYNAMIC
Dominant
Despondent
Active
Vacant
Inert
Active
The Greek root "dynam" means energy, so the word “dynamic” means having energy, exciting, or “active.” “Vacant” means unoccupied; “inert” means lifeless and having no energy; "dominant” means in control and in charge; and "despondent" means very sad and pessimistic.
Example Question #151 : Synonyms: Prefixes
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MICROSCOPIC
Tiny
Massive
Gorgeous
Immune
Susceptible
Tiny
The Greek prefix micro- means very small, as in "microscope" which is a tool used to look at things that are very small. So, "microscopic" means tiny, very, very small. To provide additional help, "susceptible" means vulnerable, at risk; "immune" is an antonym of "susceptible" it means not vulnerable, cannot be affected by (usually a disease); "massive" means very large; "gorgeous" means beautiful, attractive.
Example Question #152 : Synonyms: Prefixes
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EGOTISTICAL
Hopeless
Hopeful
Selfless
Helpless
Selfish
Selfish
The Greek prefix ego- means self. So, someone who is "egotistical" is self-centered, selfish. Additionally, "selfless" means not selfish, generous; "helpless" means not able to be helped.
Example Question #153 : Synonyms: Prefixes
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DILEMMA
Suggestion
Medicine
Problem
Solution
Notion
Problem
The Greek prefix di- means two. So, a "dilemma" is a problem with two possible solutions, a predicament, a quandary. To provide additional help, a "notion" is an idea or a feeling; a "suggestion" is an idea expressed to help someone with a problem.
Example Question #421 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ARCHAIC
Confounding
Recessive
Domineering
Obsolete
Impressive
Obsolete
The Greek prefix arch- can have two meanings. It either means chief as in "monarch" or ancient, old-fashioned as in "archaic." "Archaic" means old-fashioned and out of date, obsolete, no longer needed or used. To provide additional help, "impressive" means inspiring admiration, making people impressed; "domineering" means bossy, dominating, in-charge; "confounding" means confusing, bewildering; "recessive" means (of a gene) not dominant, hidden.
Example Question #155 : Synonyms: Prefixes
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MISNOMER
Error
Speaker
Leader
Answer
Follower
Error
The Greek prefix mis- means wrong, bad, as in "mistake" which means error. A "misnomer" is an inaccurate name, an error in naming something. So, the best possible answer is "error." You might also notice the root word -nom- which often means name. So, simply a "misnomer" is a wrong name, an error in naming.
Example Question #156 : Synonyms: Prefixes
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MELANCHOLY
Sadness
Elation
Ecstasy
Joy
Bliss
Sadness
The Greek prefix melan- means black, dark, so "melancholy" means a dark mood, sadness, depression, misery. Additionally, the other four answer choices all mean deep happiness.
Example Question #157 : Synonyms: Prefixes
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
OPTICAL
Touch
Sight
Smell
Hearing
Taste
Sight
The Greek prefix opt- means eyes, sight, or related to sight. So, "optical" means of or relating to sight. The synonym here is not perfect, but sometimes you have to find the answer that is "closest" to the word in question.
Example Question #158 : Synonyms: Prefixes
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PATERNITY
Fatherhood
Motherhood
Brotherhood
Sisterhood
Maternity
Fatherhood
The Greek prefix pater- means father, so "paternity" means fatherhood. The Greek prefix mater- means mother, so "maternity" means motherhood. Another example of a pater- word is "patriarch" which refers to a man in charge of a group.