ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #114 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

VERBALIZE

Possible Answers:

Renounce

Deny

Express

Disavow

Disclaim

Correct answer:

Express

Explanation:

The Latin prefix verb- means word, speak. So, "verbalize" means to speak, to express an idea. Additionally, the other four answer choices are all synonyms they all mean to reject an idea or responsibility for something, to dimiss as wrong or malevolent.

Example Question #115 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

JUVENILE

Possible Answers:

Wizened

Immaculate

Pitiful

Immature

Sagacious

Correct answer:

Immature

Explanation:

The Latin prefix juven- means young, youth, as in "rejuvenate" which means to make young or healthy or lively again. So, "juvenile" means childish, immature. To provide additional help, "immaculate" means perfect, spotlessly clean; "sagacious" means wise; "wizened" means old, ancient; "pitiful" means deserving of pity, pathetic

Example Question #116 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

SUPERIOR

Possible Answers:

Softer

Hotter

Better

Colder

Worse

Correct answer:

Better

Explanation:

The Latin prefix super- means better, higher. So, "superior" means better than something else or best. "Worse" is an antonym to "better." "Hotter" and "colder" are antonyms for each other, and they are used to discuss degrees of heat. "Softer" is a relative adjective used to describe tactile feel.

Example Question #117 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

AMITY

Possible Answers:

Location

Hardship

Devastation

Friendship

Reaction

Correct answer:

Friendship

Explanation:

The Latin prefix ami- means love, as in "amorous" which means showing romantic feelings towards, expressing love. So, "amity" means friendship, a loving relationship. Additionally, "hardship" means difficulty; "devastation" means destruction, complete ruin, immense damage; the "location" of something is where something is; a "reaction" is a response to something someone says or does.

Example Question #161 : Synonyms

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

MARINA

Possible Answers:

Harbor

Station

Garage

Airport

Highway

Correct answer:

Harbor

Explanation:

The Latin prefix mar- means of or relating to the sea, as in "submarine," which means underwater boat. So, a "marina" is a place where ships are docked, a harbor. An "airport" fulfills roughly the same function as a marina, but for airplanes, not boats (airports are also, obviously, much more regulated environments). A "garage" fulfills a similar function, but for cars, not boats. A "station" fulfills the same function, but for trains. A "highway" is a road with a higher speed limits, intended for long-distance travel.

Example Question #119 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

MAXIMUM

Possible Answers:

Cutest

Funniest

Richest

Smallest

Greatest

Correct answer:

Greatest

Explanation:

The Latin prefix max- means greatest, best. So, the "maximum" is the greatest possible number of something, the largest something can be. "Smallest" is an antonym to "greatest."

Example Question #120 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

REGULATE

Possible Answers:

Give

Perform

Control

Subtract

Repeat

Correct answer:

Control

Explanation:

The Latin prefix regu- means related to rules or law, as in "regime" which means government, a collection of rulers. So, to "regulate" means to enforce the rules, to control the actions of

Example Question #391 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning

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

AVIATOR

Possible Answers:

Speaker

Pilot

Guest

Host

Player

Correct answer:

Pilot

Explanation:

The Latin prefix avia- means bird, as in "aviary" which is a place where birds are kept. So, this problem is a little more confusing than usual, but can still be solved using logic. An "aviator" must have something in common with a "bird," well an "aviator" is a pilot. Pilots and birds can both fly. This happens sometimes with the English language due to the complexity of the origin of some words, but more often than not you can determine the meaning of words using logic and an understanding of prefixes, suffixes, and roots of words. 

Example Question #169 : Synonyms

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

SUBSTANDARD

Possible Answers:

Jaunty

Poor

Great

Grand

Lofty

Correct answer:

Poor

Explanation:

The Latin prefix sub- means under, beneath, as in "submerge" which means to go under water. So, "substandard" means below standard, not good enough, of poor quality. Additionally, "grand" means impressive, magnificent, great; "jaunty" means cheerful, having a good-natured personality

Example Question #170 : Synonyms

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

CAPTIVE

Possible Answers:

Assistant

Learner

Guard

Prisoner

Secretary

Correct answer:

Prisoner

Explanation:

The Latin prefix capt- means take, hold, as in "capture" or "intercept." So, a "captive" is someone who is being held against their will, someone who has been taken, a prisoner. "Secretary," "assistant," and "guard" are all jobs. "Learner" is a person who enjoys and is good at learning.

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