Using Prefixes, Suffixes, and Roots to Identify Synonyms - ISEE Middle Level Verbal Reasoning

"Unruly" is an adjective that means "disorderly and disruptive and not amenable to discipline or control." So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "disruptive." "Well-behaved" cannot be the correct answer, then, because "well-behaved" is an antonym of "disruptive." "Rowdy," however, is an adjective that means "noisy and disorderly," and because "rowdy" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "unruly," "rowdy" is the correct answer.

"Imperceptible" is an adjective that means "impossible to perceive," so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "impossible to perceive." So, "prominent" cannot be the correct answer because one meaning of "prominent" is "situated so as to catch the attention; noticeable," making it an antonym of "imperceptible." "Undetectable," however, is an adjective that means "not able to be detected," and because it is the answer choice closest in meaning to "imperceptible," "undetectable" is the correct answer.

"Compile" means collect into a volume or a list, so "organize" would be the best choice here. "Disperse," meaning scatter, has the opposite meaning.

The word "prescient" means having knowledge of things before they happen. The best choice is "foreknowing," as it shares the same definition as "prescient." Considering the other choices, "do" means perform an act, "science" is knowledge gained from systematic study, and "sentient" means conscious.

A "misnomer" is an inaccurate name. The best choice is "inaccurate name," as it is part of the definition of "misnomer_."_ This is fitting as a misnomer is a mistake in naming something. Considering the other options, "nominate" means suggest for an honor, "miss" means fail or fail to meet, and "snore" means breathe with harsh sounds while asleep.

Something that is "minuscule" is very small. Therefore, "small" is the correct answer.

"Resolve" has several meanings, one of which is to decide. For example, one might write, "After getting sick from eating too many cookies, Brad resolved to never eat cookies again." So, since "resolved" means decided, "decided" is the correct answer.

If someone is "unwelcome," they are not wanted or not welcome. You can figure this out, because "un-" means not, so "unwelcome" means not welcome. So, "unwanted," which means not wanted, is the correct answer, because it is closest in meaning to "unwelcome."

To "encapsulate" something means to surround it or include it. Think of a capsule of medicine; the capsule surrounds or includes the medicine inside it. So, "include" is the correct answer.

"Prescience" is the quality of knowing what is going to happen; foresight. To provide further help, a "potentate" is a powerful leader; "dread" means fear and "loathe" means hate; "amorous" is a feeling of love.

"Misogyny" is the hatred of women. A misogynist is a man who hates and mistreats women.

"Malodorous" means bad-smelling. Whenever you see -odor you can guess that the word has something to do with smells, likewise the prefix -mal means bad. To provide further help, "malevolent" means bad-natured, evil; and "benevolent" means good-natured, kind.

The word "exculpate" means forgive for an offense. The best choice is "pardon" because it shares the same meaning as "exculpate."

The word "incessant" means continuing without interruption. The best choice is "continuing" because it is a part of the definition of "incessant." Considering the other choices, "monetary" means pertaining to money, "clean" means unstained, and "impure" means not pure or adulterated.

“Disgrace” means to shame or dishonor. To provide further help, “dissatisfaction” is a lack of satisfaction or happiness; “disapproval” is the feeling of not approving of something; “disgusting” means gross; “disproportionate” means uneven.

“Unsurpassed” literally means not taken over, however it is most commonly used to mean best or supreme. To provide further help, “insipid” and “banal” are synonyms and both mean boring, dull, lifeless; "uncommitted" means not interested, casual; “uncontrollable” means not able to be controlled.

The prefix im- means in or into. So the word “impose” means to force into doing something. This is closest in meaning to the answer choice “compel,” which means to make someone do something. To provide further help, “collect” means gather; “catalogue” means record data and information; “imply” means suggest; “impassive” means unemotional.

The prefix ob- means in the way of, against. The word “obviate” means to make something unnecessary, to prevent something from happening. As such, it is closest in meaning to “preclude” which means to stop something from happening. To provide further help, “secede” means pull out of an union; “recede” means go back; “wanton” means random; “apparent” means obvious.

The word fragment -dict- means related to speaking or words, as in “dictionary” or “diction.” The word “indict” means to say someone did something wrong, to “accuse.” To provide further help, “imply” means suggest and “implore” means beg. Please note that "indict" rhymes with "in light."

The prefix per- means through, so the word “pervade” means to spread, or to have spread, throughout something. To provide further help, “undermine” means weaken.