Word Parts and Roots - ISEE Middle Level Verbal Reasoning

  1. What does the suffix "-ist" mean in words such as "artist" or "scientist"?
    A person who practices or specializes. The suffix '-ist' identifies an individual engaged in or expert at the activity of the root, like one who creates art or studies science.
  2. What does the prefix "uni-" mean in words such as "unify"?
    One. The prefix 'uni-' signifies singularity or oneness in the context of the root, as in bringing together into one.
  3. What does the suffix "-able" mean in words such as "readable"?
    Capable of; able to be. The suffix '-able' expresses the possibility or suitability of the root action, indicating something can be done.
  4. What does the prefix "post-" mean in words such as "postwar"?
    After. The prefix 'post-' denotes something happening subsequent to the root word, like events following a war.
  5. What does the suffix "-ology" mean in words such as "biology"?
    Study of. The suffix '-ology' denotes a field of systematic study related to the root, such as the science of living organisms.
  6. What does the suffix "-less" mean in words such as "fearless"?
    Without. The suffix '-less' conveys the lack or absence of the quality in the root, such as being devoid of fear.
  7. What does the prefix "bi-" mean in words such as "bicycle"?
    Two. The prefix 'bi-' denotes the quantity of two in relation to the root, such as a vehicle with two wheels.
  8. What does the prefix "mis-" mean in words such as "misjudge"?
    Badly; wrongly. The prefix 'mis-' adds a sense of error or incorrectness to the root verb, such as judging inaccurately.
  9. What does the prefix "anti-" mean in words such as "antibiotic"?
    Against; opposing. The prefix 'anti-' signifies opposition or counteraction to the root, such as fighting against bacteria.
  10. What does the prefix "trans-" mean in words such as "transport"?
    Across; through. The prefix 'trans-' suggests movement from one side to another or through, like carrying across distances.
  11. What does the prefix "tri-" mean in words such as "triangle"?
    Three. The prefix 'tri-' indicates the number three associated with the root, like a shape with three sides.
  12. What does the root "port" mean in words such as "portable" or "transport"?
    Carry. The root 'port' signifies the action of bearing or conveying, as in items that can be moved or carried over distances.
  13. What does the prefix "dis-" usually mean in words such as "disagree"?
    Not; opposite of. The prefix 'dis-' typically reverses or negates the meaning of the root, indicating disagreement or opposition.
  14. What does the prefix "pre-" mean in words such as "preview"?
    Before. The prefix 'pre-' indicates an action or state occurring prior to the root word, as in viewing something beforehand.
  15. What does the prefix "inter-" mean in words such as "international"?
    Between; among. The prefix 'inter-' conveys interaction or placement amid multiple elements, as in relations among nations.
  16. What does the prefix "sub-" mean in words such as "submarine"?
    Under; below. The prefix 'sub-' implies a position beneath or lower than the root, exemplified by a vessel operating underwater.
  17. What does the prefix "non-" mean in words such as "nonfiction"?
    Not. The prefix 'non-' negates the root word, denoting the absence of the quality described.
  18. What does the prefix "re-" mean in words such as "reconsider"?
    Again; back. The prefix 're-' implies repetition or return to a previous state, as in thinking about something again.
  19. What does the root "scrib/script" mean in words such as "describe" or "manuscript"?
    Write; writing. The root 'scrib/script' pertains to the act of recording or inscribing, as in detailing through words or a handwritten document.
  20. What does the root "dict" mean in words such as "predict" or "dictionary"?
    Say; speak. The root 'dict' relates to verbal expression or declaration, seen in foretelling or a reference of word meanings.
  21. What does the suffix "-ful" mean in words such as "helpful"?
    Full of; having. The suffix '-ful' implies abundance or possession of the root's attribute, like possessing the quality of assistance.

Study these flashcards