All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Suffixes From Other Languages
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SPECIFY
Generalize
Identify
Fake
Suggest
Recognize
Identify
The word "specify" is related to the word "species." Although we use this in biology to discuss particular classes of animals, the word "species" has a broader definition that comes from its use in logic. When we talk about a general class of things, we call that its "genus." (We do this in biology as well.) The members of that general class are its "species." They are "specific" members—you can see how all of these words are related. When something is "specified," it is pointed out, or made specific and thus can be said to be "identified." This is the best option among those provided. Do not be tricked by "recognize," which is close in meaning to this but not exactly the same. Something can be recognized without being specifically identified.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Suffixes From Other Languages
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
NOTIFY
Instill
Inform
Bother
Rest
Provide
Inform
"Notify" is a verb meaning inform or bring to the attention of, so the answer choice closest in meaning is "inform" a verb that means notify. Considering the other choices, none are close in meaning to "notify": "bother," when used as a verb, means annoy; "rest," when used as a verb, means relax and take a break in order to regain energy; and "provide" means give.
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