ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, and Roots to Identify Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #316 : Synonyms

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

UNIVERSAL

Possible Answers:

Complete

Cosmic

Spatial

Scientific

Logical

Correct answer:

Complete

Explanation:

The word "universe" in Latin is a very interesting word. We generally use it to mean all things or even all of outer space, but what it literally means is turned toward one point. The "uni-" prefix comes from the word for one, as we see in words like "unity," "unify," and "unit." The "-verse" portion of the word comes from Latin roots for to turn. We see this root in words like "convert" and "invert." When something is "universal" it is complete, explaining how everything is related. We say that someone has "universal knowledge" when he or she seems to know everything. Thus, the best option provided here is complete.

Example Question #272 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

SOLITARY

Possible Answers:

Important

Famous

Bright

Brilliant

Isolated

Correct answer:

Isolated

Explanation:

The word "solitary" comes from the Latin root for alone—"solus." When someone has a "solo" in a concert, he or she plays or sings a part all by himself or herself. This should not be confused with "solar," which has to do with the sun. Now, when someone is isolated, he or she is also alone. The word "isolated" comes from the Latin for island, which is also found in words like "insular" and "insulation." Thus, the best option provided among those given here is the word "isolated." This is a primary meaning when we have expressions like "solitary confinement," meaning, "isolated imprisonment."

Example Question #317 : Synonyms

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

SEQUENCE

Possible Answers:

Dramatic

Order

Written

Intellectual

Entertainment

Correct answer:

Order

Explanation:

The word "sequence" comes from the Latin root for to follow. Thus, we find other words like "subsequent" (coming after), "sequel" (something that comes after another thing), "pursue," and even "second!" Thus, a "sequence" is an orderly arrangement of things. We can call this sequence an "order." Often, we seem to use "order" as a verb; however, we do often use it as a noun too. Think of when you say, "Put those things in order!" You mean to say, "Put them into a sequence!"

Example Question #321 : Synonyms

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

REJUVENATE

Possible Answers:

Purify

Cleanse

Recount

Revive

Relate

Correct answer:

Revive

Explanation:

The word "rejuvenate" comes from two Latin roots. The prefix "re-" used here means again. You see it in words like "recant" and "repeat," as well as the options "revive" and "relate" mentioned in this question. The "-juvenate" portion comes from a root meaning young. When someone acts in a "juvenile" manner, he or she acts like he or she is immature or young. Thus, to "rejuvenate" means to make something feel or become young. It thus also means to renew or to revive. The latter is the correct answer, and it means literally to make something have life again.

Example Question #322 : Synonyms

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

PATRIARCH

Possible Answers:

Predecessor

Descendent

Ancestor

God

Father

Correct answer:

Father

Explanation:

The word "patriarch" comes from the Latin word "pater," which means father. A "patriarchy" is a kind of society in which fathers (and males in general) have the most power. This is contrasted to a "matriarchy" in which mothers (and women in general) have power. ("Mater" is the Latin word for mother.) Now, "patriarch" could be any male ancestor. Thus, Jewish people refer to Abraham as being one of their patriarchs, for they see him as being a "father" to their people. It is also fine to refer to any father as a "patriarch." Indeed, even the word "father" can often be used to describe an important ancestor or figure who is not an immediate father. In this respect, think of the expression, "Founding fathers" often used to describe those men who played a key role in the founding of the American republic.

Example Question #276 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

AMPLIFY

Possible Answers:

Translate

Pervade

Increase

Resonate

Fill

Correct answer:

Increase

Explanation:

The word "amplify" comes from two Latin roots. The stem of the word, "ampli-," comes from the Latin word for large. Perhaps you have heard of the word "ample," which means large or abundant. The "-fy" suffix also comes from Latin and means to do or to make. Thus, something that "amplifies" is a thing that makes something larger or more intense. Often, we use the word "amplifier" for something that makes sound on a stereo to be louder. Thus, the best option among those given is "increase." When you "amplify" something, you increase its size or intensity.

Example Question #277 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

FRACTURE

Possible Answers:

Dig

Illustrate

Combine

Conclude

Break

Correct answer:

Break

Explanation:

The best synonym is "break." Fracture comes from the Latin roots "fract" and "frangere," meaning to break (e.g. "fraction," "fracking," "fragile," "fragment").

Example Question #278 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

POSTSCRIPT

Possible Answers:

Raise

Recording

Afterword

Mental

Summary

Correct answer:

Afterword

Explanation:

Postscript comes from the Latin prefix "post" meaning "after." Script comes from the Latin word "scriptus" meaning written. Postscript can be defined as written after, such as an appendix or epilogue. Therefore, "Afterword" is the correct synonym. A "postcript" does not necessarily provide a "summary," it merely comes at the end of a document.

Example Question #279 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

LOQUACIOUS

Possible Answers:

Blinding

Talkative

Tranquil

Mute

Miniscule

Correct answer:

Talkative

Explanation:

The best synonym is "talkative." "Loquacious" comes from the Latin root "loqui" meaning speak. Therefore, someone who is "loquacious "speaks a great deal or is talkative, with an additional meaning that their speech is eloquent.

"Tranquil" refers to disposition, not speech. "Mute" is an antonym to "loquacious," as it refers to silent or incapable of speech.

Example Question #280 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

RECLINE

Possible Answers:

Consume

Lean

Harry

Bother

Harass

Correct answer:

Lean

Explanation:

The Latin root -clin- means lean, lean back, so to "recline" means to lean back, to lie back in a chair. Another example of a -clin- word is "incline" which means slope, leaning forwards. Additionally, "consume" means devour, eat, use. Finally, the other three answer choices are all synonyms they all mean to annoy, pester, and bother someone.

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