All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin
Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
ACRID
Cantankerous
Sharp
Jaunty
Pacifying
Soothing
Sharp
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 #12 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DUCTILE
Original
Hollow
Pliant
Rigid
Sticky
Pliant
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 #11 : Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
OCULAR
Blessed
Tactile
Condemned
Visual
Audio
Visual
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 #14 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin
Synonyms: Choose the word or phrase that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
TENABLE
Catastrophic
Ambiguous
Debunk
Reasonable
Sporadic
Reasonable
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 #15 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
PLACID
Silver
Dirty
Slow
Calm
Soft
Calm
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 #16 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AGRARIAN
Agricultural
Urban
Faithful
Scientific
Literary
Agricultural
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 From Latin
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
HOSPITABLE
Cautious
Neighborly
Incompatible
Ideal
Neighborly
"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 From Latin
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
HOSPITABLE
Guest
Friendly
Hostile
Bored
Friendly
"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 From Latin
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
BENEVOLENT
Compassionate
Loud
Violent
Ruckus
Compassionate
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 From Latin
Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
DIFFIDENT
Hasty
Swift
Hesitant
Reckless
Thoughtless
Hesitant
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.
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All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
