ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms: Roots

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #211 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

ACRID

Possible Answers:

Cantankerous 

Jaunty 

Pacifying

Soothing 

Sharp 

Correct answer:

Sharp 

Explanation:

The prefix "acri-" means related to bitterness or harshness. The word “acrid” means unpleasantly sharp or bitter in smell or taste. To provide further help, “soothing” means comforting; “pacifying” means calming; “jaunty” means cheerful; “cantankerous” means grumpy

Example Question #212 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

DUCTILE

Possible Answers:

Rigid

Pliant

Hollow

Original

Sticky

Correct answer:

Pliant

Explanation:

The Latin root "duct" means to lead. You may, for example, have seen an "aqueduct," which literally "leads water" in a particular direction. Someone or something that is "ductile" is "able to be led," in the sense of being easily influenced or bendable. This is also the meaning of the word "pliant." "Rigid" is an antonym.

Example Question #213 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

OCULAR

Possible Answers:

Visual 

Tactile 

Blessed

Condemned 

Audio 

Correct answer:

Visual 

Explanation:

The prefix "ocu-" refers to being able to see, or to the eyes. This is similar to the prefix "vis-," which means to see. We can infer that “ocular” and “visual” are closely related to one another. To provide further help, “audio” means having to do with sound and hearing; “tactile” means able to be touched; “condemned” means considered guilty and awaiting punishment.

Example Question #214 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Synonyms: Choose the word or phrase that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

TENABLE

Possible Answers:

Sporadic

Debunk

Reasonable

Ambiguous

Catastrophic

Correct answer:

Reasonable

Explanation:

The prefix "ten-" means able to be held or defended, so the word “tenable” describes an idea that is able to be held or defended. We could also call this a “reasonable” idea. To provide further help, “debunk” means disprove; “catastrophic” means disastrous; “ambiguous” means unclear; “sporadic” means random and occurring infrequently.

Example Question #215 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

PLACID

Possible Answers:

Calm

Slow

Soft 

Silver

Dirty 

Correct answer:

Calm

Explanation:

The word "placid" means calm and peaceful. For example, one might write, "You could see your reflection like a mirror image in the placid lake." So, "calm" is the correct answer.

Example Question #221 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

AGRARIAN

Possible Answers:

Literary

Agricultural

Faithful

Urban

Scientific

Correct answer:

Agricultural

Explanation:

The prefix "agr-" means having to do with farming or the land, as seen in the word “agriculture.” The word “agrarian” means having to do with to the land or agriculture, so "of land" is the correct answer.

Example Question #17 : Synonyms: Roots

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

HOSPITABLE

Possible Answers:

Cautious

Incompatible

Ideal

Neighborly

Correct answer:

Neighborly

Explanation:

"Hospitable" means generous and friendly in entertaining guests, so "neighborly" would be the best match, as both words mean friendly.

Example Question #18 : Synonyms: Roots

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

HOSPITABLE

Possible Answers:

Bored

Friendly

Guest

Hostile

Correct answer:

Friendly

Explanation:

"Hospitable" means receiving guests warmly and generously. The best choice is "friendly" because it means showing kindness and helpfulness. Someone who receives guests warmly and generously would be acting in a friendly manner toward those guests. 

Example Question #19 : Synonyms: Roots

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

BENEVOLENT

Possible Answers:

Compassionate

Loud

Ruckus

Violent

Correct answer:

Compassionate

Explanation:

The word "benevolent" means kind and caring. The best choice is "compassionate" because it shares the same definition. Considering the other choices, "violent" means acting with uncontrolled, rough force, "loud" means great in volume, and "ruckus" means noisy commotion.

Example Question #20 : Synonyms: Roots

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

DIFFIDENT

Possible Answers:

Hesitant 

Swift 

Hasty 

Thoughtless 

Reckless 

Correct answer:

Hesitant 

Explanation:

The root "fid" refers to belief, so someone who is “diffident” is lacking self-belief. Of the five answer choices, this is most similar in meaning to “hesitant,” which means uncertain and not confident. To provide further help, “reckless” means careless, quick to get into danger; “hasty” means rushed; “swift” means very quick; and “thoughtless” means carless, inconsiderate

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors