ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Roots
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ISEE Upper Level Verbal
All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #215 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EGALITARIAN
Divided
Democratic
Academic
Political
Oligarchical
Democratic
The word "egalitarian" comes from roots meaning equal. When a society is egalitarian, it treats all of its members as equals and tries to acknowledge this. The best option among those provided here is "democratic." This does not have to do directly with the current American political party that goes by this name. Instead, "democratic" is based on a particular Greek notion of one kind of government that bases itself on the equality of all the people. None of the other options express this kind of egalitarianism.
Example Question #221 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DYNAMIC
Successful
Stupendous
Explosive
Vigorous
Effective
Vigorous
The word "dynamic" comes from the Greek word for power. Think of dynamite, which creates a very powerful explosion. Now, the primary meaning of "dynamic" in English is energetic or having much energy or vitality. Thus, the word "vigorous" is the best option among those provided, for it means having much energy. While we might think of dynamic people as being "successful," "effective," and perhaps even "stupendous," these are not the immediate meanings of "dynamic."
Example Question #71 : Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
HYPOTHERMIC
Freezing
Arid
Stifling
Infected
Moist
Freezing
There are two relevant roots in "hypothermic." The Greek prefix hypo- means under, having too little of and the root -therm- means related to temperature. So, "hypothermic" means (of the body) very cold, freezing. Additionally, "arid" means dry; "moist" means wet; "infected" means sick with; "stifling" means uncomfortably hot.
Example Question #72 : Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ALEXIA
Illiteracy
Notoriety
Infamy
Capacity
Polygamy
Illiteracy
The Greek root -lex- means word, read, write, as in "lexicon," which means vocabulary. So, "alexia" means the loss of the ability to write. This is closest in meaning to "illiteracy," which means the inability to read and write. Additionally, "infamy" and "notoriety" both mean the quality of being famous for the wrong reasons; "polygamy" is the practice of having more than one spouse or partner; "capacity" means ability.
All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
