Using Prefixes, Suffixes, and Roots to Identify Synonyms - ISEE Upper Level Verbal Reasoning

The Latin prefix pre- means before, as in "prediction" or "prevent." So, a "preamble" is the introduction to a written work. "Conclusion" is an antonym "introduction" and "preamble." The rest of the terms are academic terms, or sections of a book but are not directly related to "preamble."

The word “amble” comes from the Latin for “to walk,” which is found in English words like “ambulatory” and “ambulate.” It means “to walk in a relaxed manner.” Among the options, “saunter” best describes such walking. One might say, “She ambled about the county paths, not wishing to hurry past any of the beauties of the autumn scenery.”

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.

"Misnomer" and "aberration" both mean an error or misjudgment. "Certitude" means sureness or certainty. "Nexus" means the center or core. "Husbandry" means farming or agriculture. "Grotto" means a cave or cavern.

"Presage" and "augur" both mean to predict or have a feeling. "Embroil" means to involve in a dispute or complicate. "Emerge" means to come out or arise. "Emulate" means to copy the actions of . "Refute" means to prove false or discredit.

"Unprepossessing" and "grotesque" both mean ugly or hideous. "Agreeable" means pleasing or delightful. "Exquisite" means beautiful or excellent. "Covert" means clandestine or underhanded. "Covetous" means greedy or very desirous.

"Prescience" and "omniscience" both mean foresight. "Juxtaposition" means adjacency or positioning side-by-side. "Malediction" means curse or damnation. "Maelstrom" means agitation or chaos. "Modicum" means a bit or small amount.

"Ensnare" means to capture or to trap. "Fulfill" means to satisfy or complete a task or goal. "Germinate" means to grow. "Obstruct" means to block or prevent something from getting through. "Baffle" means to confuse.

The word “current” comes from the Latin for “to run.” Although it can mean “concerning the present moment,” it can likewise mean “to flow,” as when someone talks about the flow of water or electrical current (the “flow of electrons”). This general meaning is the one that is most appropriate among the answer options.

The prefix "fore-" means before, so it makes sense that "forebear" means progenitor or "ancestor." As for the other answers, “descendent” means someone who descends from a particular person or animal; an “outlaw” is a criminal; "discord” means disagreement or conflict; and a “mosaic” is a pattern or picture produced by arranging many small colorful pieces of glass in a ceramic base.

The prefix "over-" means above or superior, so it makes sense that “overbearing” means assuming superiority and acting oppressively and arrogantly towards others. This means that "oppressive" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “monotonous” means boring, uniform, and predictable; “humiliating” means debasing or embarrassing, “atrocious” means appalling, terrible, and disgusting; “deleterious” means harmful.

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.

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.

The prefix eu- in Greek means good, fine. So the word "euphoria" means a state of feeling very good, deep happiness.

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.

The Greek prefix xer- means dry, so "xeric" means containing very little moisture, dry and arid. "Wet" is an antonym to "xeric."

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.

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.

The Greek prefix soph- means wise, as in "philosopher" or "sophisticated;" however, in "sophist" it has a contrary meaning. A "sophist" is a misleading argument, an argument that appears wise but is in fact not. This is closest in meaning to "fallacy," which means an incorrect argument or assumption. Additionally, "epicurean" means hedonist, a lover of pleasure and indulgence; a "savant" is a learned person, particularly someone who seems to have unusually intense expertise in one area; an "artisan" is a craftsman, a skilled-worker; a "forerunner" is something or someone that comes before the development or emergence of something or someone else, a precursor.

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.