All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ANTECEDENT
Lamentation
Outlier
Node
Precursor
Frontrunner
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 #2 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EUPHORIA
Loneliness
Boredom
Happiness
Excitement
Sadness
Happiness
The prefix eu- in Greek means good, fine. So the word "euphoria" means a state of feeling very good, deep happiness.
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
HYPERACTIVE
Rambunctious
Susceptible
Cantankerous
Macabre
Restless
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 #4 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
XERIC
Dry
Hot
Cold
Wet
Mild
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 #4 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ICONOCLAST
Trailblazer
Custodian
Heretic
Nomad
Itinerant
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 #5 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CRANIUM
Wrist
Artery
Ankle
Skull
Tendon
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 #7 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
GYNECOID
Refined
Masculine
Feminine
Juvenile
Diligent
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 #8 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ERGONOMIC
Resplendent
Comfortable
Festive
Capricious
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.
Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
NECROMANCER
Cretin
Witch
Conformist
Heathen
Preacher
Witch
The Greek prefix necro- means death, black, as in "necrosis" which is the death of skin or tissue. So, a "necromancer" means practitioner of dark magic. This is closest in meaning to "witch." Additionally, a "heathen" is a non-believer within a religion; a "cretin" is someone lacking morals or intellect, someone deserving of contempt; a "conformist" is someone who follows the generally accepted behavior of a society or group of people.
Example Question #82 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
HEMORRHAGE
Mourn
Weep
Expire
Replicate
Bleed
Bleed
The Greek prefix hemo- means blood. So, a "hemorrhage" is a bleed, to "hemorrhage" is to bleed profusely, to bleed a lot. Additionally, "weep" means cry about; "mourn" means express sorrow for the loss of; to "expire" means to run out, to stop being usable; "replicate" means copy, reproduce.
All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
