All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PSEUDONYM
Grievance
Fusion
Diffidence
Prototype
Alias
Alias
The prefix "pseudo-" means fake or artificial, so it makes sense that a “pseudonym” is a fake name, or an “alias.” A “grievance” is an injustice you feel has been done to you or a problem you might have with something; “fusion” means blend or combination; “diffidence” is lack of self-confidence; and a “prototype” is a first model of something.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ACHROMATIC
Colorless
Colorful
Thoughtful
Metallic
Thoughtless
Colorless
The prefix "a-" means without and "chromatic" means having to do with color, so “achromatic” means without color or "colorless." As for the other answer choices, "thoughtless" means inconsiderate and not thinking about others; “colorful” means full of color; “thoughtful” means considerate and kind; “metallic” means made of metal.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ANTECEDENT
Outlier
Lamentation
Frontrunner
Node
Precursor
Precursor
To solve this synonym problem you need to rely on your knowledge of Greek prefixes. The prefix ante- means before, so an "antecedent" is something that comes before, also known as a "precursor." To provide further help, a "lamentation" is an expression of mourning; a "frontrunner" is a favorite in a competition; an "outlier" is unusual, outside of the normal reach of data; a "node" is a regional center of human activity.
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EUPHORIA
Sadness
Happiness
Boredom
Excitement
Loneliness
Happiness
The prefix eu- in Greek means good, fine. So the word "euphoria" means a state of feeling very good, deep happiness.
Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
HYPERACTIVE
Macabre
Cantankerous
Restless
Susceptible
Rambunctious
Restless
The Greek prefix hyper- means too much of, so "hyperactive" means having too much energy, restless. Additionally, "cantankerous" means grumpy, bad-tempered; "rambunctious" means playful and boisterous, rowdy; "macabre" means related to death; "susceptible" means vulnerable, likely to be affected by.
Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
XERIC
Wet
Dry
Mild
Hot
Cold
Dry
The Greek prefix xer- means dry, so "xeric" means containing very little moisture, dry and arid. "Wet" is an antonym to "xeric."
Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ICONOCLAST
Heretic
Nomad
Custodian
Itinerant
Trailblazer
Heretic
The Greek prefix icono- means image, as in "iconography" which refers to images used in works of art or traditional settings. So, an "iconoclast" is someone who attacks the image of a treasured institution, a critic, a heretic. Additionally, a "trailblazer" is a pioneer; a "nomad" is someone who wanders from place to place and does not live anywhere; an "itinerant" is a wanderer, a nomad; a "custodian" is a caretaker, someone who looks after something for someone else.
Example Question #7 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CRANIUM
Tendon
Skull
Wrist
Ankle
Artery
Skull
The Greek prefix crani- means skull, brain, as in "craniology" which is the study of the composition of the skull (it is worth noting that the suffix -ology means study of, as in "biology" or the study of life). So, "cranium" means skull or less commonly brain. Additionally, a "tendon" is a fiber that connects muscle to bone; an "artery" is a vessel that transports blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Example Question #8 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
GYNECOID
Diligent
Juvenile
Feminine
Refined
Masculine
Feminine
The Greek prefix gyno- means related to women, as in "gynecologist" which is a doctor that specializes in the care of the female body. So, "gynecoid" means relating to women, feminine, qualities associated with women. Additionally, "diligent" means hard-working, rigorous; "masculine" means a quality associated with men; "refined" means dignified, elegant, sophisticated; "juvenile" means childish, immature.
Example Question #9 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ERGONOMIC
Resplendent
Festive
Capricious
Comfortable
Egregious
Comfortable
The Greek prefix ergo- means work, as in "energy" or the ability to do work. So, "ergonomic" means designed to be as comfortable and user-friendly as possible for work. Additionally, "egregious" means shocking, appalling, disgraceful; "capricious" means inconsistent, subject to sudden changes in mood or desire; "resplendent" means magnificent, splendid, attractive and imposing.