Synonyms: Roots from Latin - ISEE Middle Level Verbal Reasoning

The root "ped" comes from Latin and means related to feet or walking; you can see it used in words like "pedal" and "impediment" and it is similar to the "pod-" one sees in the word "podiatrist," or doctor who specializes in treating patients' feet. Given this, it makes sense that a "pedestrian" is someone who is walking, usually by the side of a road. A “responder” is someone who answers something, such as a call; a “transporter” is someone who moves something from one place to another; and a “pilot” is someone who flies a plane.

The root "per" can throughout and is seen in words like "perfuse" (spread gradually throughout an entire thing), so it makes sense that "persist" means continue throughout a long period of time or in other words, keep going. "Continue" is thus the best answer. “Desist” means stop, or hold back from; “conclude” means finish; “delay” means cause to be set to commence until some point of time in the future; and “resist” means to not let something happen or to fight back.

The root "note" comes from Latin and usually relates to being important, as in words like "noteworthy" and phrases like "of note," both of which mean important. Thus, it makes sense that "notable" also means "important." “Insignificant” means not important; “responsible” means able to be trusted to do the right thing or mature; “edible” means able to be eaten; “audible” means able to be heard.

The prefix "bi-" means two, and "annual" means yearly, so it makes sense that “biannual” means taking place two times per year. A “decade” is every ten years and a “century” is every hundred years. The prefix "dec_-" means ten and the prefix "cent-_" means one hundred.

The Latin prefix "contra-" means against, and the Latin root "-dict" means speak or talk, so it makes sense that to "contradict" someone or a point is to speak against it—that is, to show that it is false by suggesting that the opposite is true. So, "dispute" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "contradict." As for the other answer choices, “appraise” means evaluate or determine the worth of something; “arrive” means show up; “excavate” means dig up; and “exasperate” means frustrate.

The word "sequence" comes from the Latin root for to follow. Thus, we find other words like "subsequent" (coming after), "sequel" (something that comes after another thing), "pursue," and even "second!" Thus, a "sequence" is an orderly arrangement of things. We can call this sequence an "order." Often, we seem to use "order" as a verb; however, we do often use it as a noun too. Think of when you say, "Put those things in order!" You mean to say, "Put them into a sequence!"

First of all, do not confuse "despot" with "depot," which is a place where things are stored. A "despot" is a type of leader that has absolute power and is usually wicked. The "-pot" portion of the word comes from the Latin root for "power" or "ability." We see this same root in "possible," "potential," and "potent." Thus, the best option among those given is "tyrant," which describes a ruler who is powerful and wicked.

The word "vocation" comes from the Latin word "vocare," which means to call or speak. This word is often used in the sense of a "calling" to a given career or job. Hence, we sometimes speak of "vocational training." Also, people who become ministers or priests in Christian religions will often speak of their "vocation." Finally, another example can be found when people speak of a "vocation" as a general calling to do some sort of deed. A philanthropist might find helping a given charity to be his or her "vocation."

The Latin root -dur- means tough, hard, lasting, as in "durable," which means able to withstand pressure, long lasting, tough. So, "enduring" means lasting or continuing. Additionally, "halting" means pausing, stopping; "completing" means finishing.

The prefix "sub-" means under, and the "-mer-" in "submerged" stems from the Latin root "mar," which means having to do with the ocean or sea; so, it makes sense that "submerged" means located under the ocean or sea, or completely underwater. "Underwater" is thus the best answer choice. As for the other answer choices, "buoyant" means floating on top of the water instead of being partially or completely underwater; "buried" means located underneath the ground or a pile of solid objects; "nautical" means having to do with the sea or ocean; and "seafaring" means working on ships or using ships to travel over water often.

The prefix "per-" means through, and it is here combined with a Latin word that means "stay," so it makes sense that "permanent" means staying or lasting throughout all time or intended to do so. This means that "lasting" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “acceptable” means good enough, “frivolous” means having no purpose or seriousness; “considerable” means of enough significance to be thought about or of a notable amount; and "carefree" means untroubled.

"Manual" derives from the Latin word "manus," which has many definitions, one of which is hand. So, it makes sense that "manual," when used as an adjective, means having to do with the hands or operated by hand as opposed to automatically by utilizing another force. "Manual" labor involves the use of one's hands, for example. "Hand-operated" is thus the correct answer. While "handheld" (of a size able to be easily held in the hands) may look like a potentially correct answer, it has nothing to do with work. "Tactile," meaning able to be touched or having to do with the sense of touch, may also seem like a potentially correct answer, but again, it has nothing to do with work.

A "neophyte" is someone who is a beginner or a novice, so "novice" is the correct answer. To help you, an "expert" is someone who has a lot of knowledge and experience in a certain area; "expert" is an antonym of "neophyte" and "novice." For further help, "intermediate" means middle or of a difficulty between easy and challenging. Finally, "cathartic" means healing due to allowing one to purge one's negative emotions.

"Vivacious" is defined as animated and gay. This is similar to "lively."

The word "numerous" derives from the Latin word for number. This makes sense, as it means found in great numbers, or in other words, abundant or"plentiful." As for the other answer choices, “illogical” means not logical or not reasonable; “literate” means able to read; “fortunate” means lucky; and “immovable” means impossible to move.

Something that is of "benefit" is something that helps; an advantage. To provide further guidance, an "obstacle" is something that gets in the way, which is also the same thing as a "hindrance;" "barrage means" to attack continuously; a "garrison" is a group of troops left to defend something.

A "benediction" is a blessing, so "blessing" is the correct answer. To provide further help, a "euphemism" is a word or phrase used in place of a rude or offensive term, a "utopia" is an ideal paradise, whereas a "dystopia" is a world in which everything has gone wrong and the opposite of a "utopia."

The word "aqueous" means watery or pertaining to water. The best choice is "watery," as it is a part of the definition of "aqueous." Considering the other choices, "sedimentary" means having to do with sediment, "wispy" means light and delicate, and "suggested" means mentioned for consideration.

The prefix "agr_-_" means having to do with farming or the land, as seen in the word “agriculture.” The word “agrarian” means having to do with to the land or agriculture, so "of land" is the correct answer.