All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #78 : Synonyms: Prefixes
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PSEUDONYM
Alias
Fusion
Diffidence
Grievance
Prototype
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 #79 : Synonyms: Prefixes
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ACHROMATIC
Metallic
Colorful
Thoughtless
Thoughtful
Colorless
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 #1 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ANTECEDENT
Node
Precursor
Lamentation
Frontrunner
Outlier
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 #1 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EUPHORIA
Boredom
Happiness
Sadness
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 #2 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
HYPERACTIVE
Restless
Cantankerous
Susceptible
Rambunctious
Macabre
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 #3 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
XERIC
Mild
Wet
Dry
Cold
Hot
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 #85 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ICONOCLAST
Trailblazer
Heretic
Itinerant
Custodian
Nomad
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 #4 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CRANIUM
Skull
Tendon
Ankle
Wrist
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 #4 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
GYNECOID
Refined
Masculine
Juvenile
Diligent
Feminine
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 #5 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ERGONOMIC
Comfortable
Capricious
Resplendent
Egregious
Festive
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.
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