ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Roots
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ISEE Upper Level Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 :Synonyms: Roots From Greek
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EGALITARIAN
Democratic
Divided
Political
Academic
Oligarchical
Democratic
The word "egalitarian" comes from roots meaningequal. 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 ofone 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 #71 :Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DYNAMIC
Effective
Explosive
Vigorous
Stupendous
Successful
Vigorous
The word "dynamic" comes from the Greek word forpower. Think of dynamite, which creates a very powerful explosion. Now, the primary meaning of "dynamic" in English isenergeticorhaving much energy or vitality. Thus, the word "vigorous" is the best option among those provided, for it meanshaving 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 #72 :Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
HYPOTHERMIC
Moist
Infected
Stifling
Freezing
Arid
Freezing
There are two relevant roots in "hypothermic." The Greek prefixhypo-means下,拥有的太少and the root-therm-meansrelated to temperature. So, "hypothermic" means(of the body) very cold, freezing. Additionally, "arid" meansdry; "moist" meanswet; "infected" meanssick with; "stifling" meansuncomfortably hot.
Example Question #73 :Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ALEXIA
Polygamy
Infamy
Illiteracy
Capacity
Notoriety
Illiteracy
The Greek root-lex-meansword, read, write, as in "lexicon," which meansvocabulary. So, "alexia" meansthe loss of the ability to write. This is closest in meaning to "illiteracy," which meansthe inability to read and write. Additionally, "infamy" and "notoriety" both meanthe quality of being famous for the wrong reasons; "polygamy" isthe practice of having more than one spouse or partner; "capacity" meansability.
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