GRE Verbal : Adjectives and Adverbs in One-Blank Texts
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #181 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts
His concern for __________ details made him overlook serious problems in the entire plan.
frivolous
torpid
staid
robust
ominous
frivolous
The subject of the sentence is ignoring "serious problems" by looking at details described by the missing word. The correct answer needs to be an antonym of "serious." "Frivolous," meaning unnecessary or light, is the best fit among the answers.
Example Question #182 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts
The play was an __________ blend of nostalgic nonsense and jingoistic hero worship.
insipid
inspiring
irreproachable
ebullient
resplendent
insipid
The play is described as "nostalgic nonsense and jingoistic hero worship," both of which are highly negative descriptions. The correct answer must fit with the harsh tone of the sentence. "Insipid," meaning bland and unexciting, is the best choice.
Example Question #183 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts
The knight was accused of being __________ after fleeing the battle at the first sign of trouble.
pusillanimous
irreproachable
corpulent
fortitudinous
poised
pusillanimous
The knight leaves fighting "at the first sign of trouble." This indicates he wishes to avoid fighting and combat, and the correct answer needs to reflect this. "Pusillanimous," meaning cowardly and timid, is the best choice.
Example Question #184 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts
The old captain was a __________ presence who never showed any signs of having fun.
zany
ebullient
verbose
staid
excitable
staid
The sentence notes the "old captain" rarely exhibited "signs of having fun." The correct answer must therefore mean extremely serious and sober, the definition of "staid."
Example Question #185 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts
In its current dilapidated state, the ruins remained a __________ presence of the city's former glory.
transgressive
vestigial
histrionic
germinal
beleaguered
vestigial
The ruins are a sign of "the city's former glory," which is now long past. The correct answer will indicate that the ruins are a relic and reminder of that past. "Vestigial," meaning a useless or shrunken element that remains, is the best choice.
Example Question #186 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts
Her __________ notions on marriage meant she was mocked by her more progressive friends.
contemporary
prudent
antiquated
transgressive
idiosyncratic
antiquated
The sentence contrasts the subject's "notions on marriage" with the "progressive" notions of her friends. The correct answer must stand opposed to "progressive." "Antiquated," meaning old fashioned or outdated, is the best fit.
Example Question #187 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts
The first warning interns received was to avoid upsetting the boss, as he was known for a(n) __________ temperament.
choleric
languid
ebullient
sanguine
placid
choleric
The boss must be treated carefully, because of his "temperament," described by the missing word. The correct answer must mean easily upset or angered, the definition of "choleric."
Example Question #188 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts
The obtuse boy's mind proved much more __________ when asked to describe fantastical stories.
egalitarian
vacuous
inimical
discerning
fecund
fecund
The "obtuse," or slow and dimwitted, boy had a different capability when discussing "fantastical stories." The correct answer needs to mean the opposite of "obtuse." "Fecund," meaning fertile and productive, is the best choice.
Example Question #189 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts
The teenager's eulogy for his grandfather was exceptionally __________, moving many people to tears.
profound
inane
vacuous
petulant
mundane
profound
The eulogy moved "many people to tears," making it a touching moment. The correct answer should mean deeply moving and with a great deal of meaning, the definition of "profound."
Example Question #190 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts
Her __________ younger brother would follow behind her and do anything she asked.
maverick
servile
petulant
zealous
transgressive
servile
The brother would "do anything she asked." This means he was obedient to his sister, and the correct answer will reflect this. "Servile," meaning overly submissive or groveling, is the correct answer.
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