Synonyms: Prefixes - ISEE Middle Level: Verbal Reasoning

The Greek prefix melan- means black, dark, so "melancholy" means a dark mood, sadness, depression, misery. Additionally, the other four answer choices all mean deep happiness.

The Greek prefix opt- means eyes, sight, or related to sight. So, "optical" means of or relating to sight. The synonym here is not perfect, but sometimes you have to find the answer that is "closest" to the word in question.

The Greek prefix pater- means father, so "paternity" means fatherhood. The Greek prefix mater- means mother, so "maternity" means motherhood. Another example of a pater- word is "patriarch" which refers to a man in charge of a group.

The Greek prefix idio- means unusual, weird, distinct, as in "idiot." So, an "idiosyncrasy" is an unusual personality trait, a quirk. Additionally, a "hint" is a clue; "patriotism" is love of one's country; "xenophobia" is fear of foreigners; "compassion" is warmth, generosity, and kindness.

The Greek prefix ethno- means race, so an "ethnicity" is a race of people. Other examples of ethno- words include "ethnic" which means racial and "ethnology" the study of different races. It is worth noting that the suffix -ology means study of.

In this question, the answer that makes the most sense is strengthen or support. When you reinforce, you strengthen something.

"Incredulous" means disbelieving or doubtful of the credibility of something. Thus, the best answer choice is "disbelieving_._" For instance, if a child gives an incredulous look about whether drinking tea will help his or her cold, it means that the child is doubtful whether the tea can help him or her.

The prefix "de-" means reduce, away, or remove, so it makes sense that “dethrone” means remove from the throne or remove from power. "Depose," which also means remove from a position of power, is thus the correct answer. “Foil” means thwart or prevent; “summon” means send for or call for; “court,” when used as a verb, means pursue or consider; and “ridicule” means mock or bully.

"Unhindered" is an adjective that means "not hindered or obstructed," so we need to pick out an adjective that means something like "unobstructed." So, "stymied" cannot be the correct answer, because "stymied" is an adjective that means "prevented or having the progress of (something) hindered," making the word an antonym, not a synonym, of "unhindered." "Unimpeded," however, means "not obstructed or hindered," and because "unimpeded" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "unhindered," "unimpeded" 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 "arch-" means most or most important, so one's “archenemy” is one's biggest enemy, or “nemesis_._” “Accomplice” means coconspirator or someone who works with someone else, especially to commit a crime; “compatriot” means fellow countryman; and “misanthrope” means someone antisocial who dislikes people.

A “session” is a meeting of a council or a span of time scheduled for doing one specific thing, or a “sitting.” “Forerunner” means predecessor; “crook” means criminal; a “benefactor” is someone who funds something; and “omen” means sign of what might happen in the future.

The Latin prefix rupt- means break. So, "rupture" means to break, to fracture, to break or burst suddenly without warning. To provide further help, the other four answer choices all mean to fix, to make something work again. They are all antonyms of "rupture."