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 #221 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The artist used many shades of paint, and even essentially solid colors were __________ upon close inspection.

Possible Answers:

lax

mundane

resplendent

variegated

flamboyant

Correct answer:

variegated

Explanation:

The sentence both discusses "many shades," and that "essentially solid colors" were not what they seemed. The correct answer should mean multicolored or mixed, the definition of "variegated."

Example Question #222 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The challenge was brought because of an __________ rule most fans did not know existed.

Possible Answers:

itinerant

arcane

excessive

obstreperous

unequaled

Correct answer:

arcane

Explanation:

The rule is one "fans did not know existed," so a description of the rule must reflect that. The correct answer should mean obscure or barely known, the definition of "arcane."

Example Question #223 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The embarassing incident on the first day made him __________ throughout the school.

Possible Answers:

consecrated

lauded

infamous

zealous

revered

Correct answer:

infamous

Explanation:

The subject has suffered an "embarassing incident" that has become known "throughout the school." This means he has become well known for something bad, the definition of "infamous."

Example Question #221 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

After hours of listening to her son's loud and aggressive music, the woman sought a more __________ tone for her music choice.

Possible Answers:

voluble

discordant

subdued

rancorous

abrasive

Correct answer:

subdued

Explanation:

The sentence explicitly contrasts the missing word with "loud and aggressive." The correct answer needs to mean softer and less aggressive. "Subdued," meaning restrained or controlled, is the best choice.

Example Question #222 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The body was found __________, and the police only found the stomach wounds when it was moved.

Possible Answers:

languid

reticent

exposed

torpid

prostrate

Correct answer:

prostrate

Explanation:

The body had to be moved to see "stomach wounds." The correct answer must therefore mean lying face down, the definition of "prostrate."

Example Question #223 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The __________ meeting was deemed necessary because none of the parties wanted it known they were negotiating.

Possible Answers:

egregious

clandestine

proscribed

philanthropic

deliberate

Correct answer:

clandestine

Explanation:

The meeting is one where no one "wanted it known" it was happening. The correct answer will reflect the meeting's discreet nature. "Clandestine," meaning secret or covert, is the best choice.

Example Question #224 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

After my dog had soiled my floors with his filthy paws, I cleaned the carpeting so __________ that it was once again bereft of all the dog fur and dirt that he had left in it.

Possible Answers:

indifferently

blithely

halfheartedly

indignantly

meticulously

Correct answer:

meticulously

Explanation:

Because "halfheartedly" and "indifferently" mean that the person was not very concerned with cleaning the carpet, it would not make sense that the carpet was left so spotless. "Blithely" means happily, which also does not make sense. "Indignantly" could work  because it means that the person was not happy about having to clean the carpet, but "meticulously", which means painstakingly, makes the most sense because of the emphasis placed on how clean the carpet was afterward.

Example Question #225 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

Volunteering at her local hospital bolstered Alejandra's already __________ interest in studying to become a nurse.

Possible Answers:

nascent

nonexistent

obliterated

infallible

disingenuous

Correct answer:

nascent

Explanation:

"Infallible" means faultless, while "disingenuous" means fake, but neither of these make sense because we are talking about Alejandra's interest in nursing increasing somehow. "Obliterated" means completely destroyed, which means that she had no interest to bolster whatsoever. "Nonexistent" would also indicate that she had no interest in nursing whatsoever, which also makes no sense; however "nascent", meaning coming into being, does make sense. 

Example Question #226 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

Rain and sun, though for the most part __________ to the healthy growth of plants, can hurt them when either is in excess.

Possible Answers:

conducive

antagonistic

calamitous

unfavorable

grievous

Correct answer:

conducive

Explanation:

Rain and sun are, for the most part, good for plant growth, which means that "calamitous," "grievous," "unfavorable," and "antagonistic" do not work. But "conducive," meaning making a certain outcome likely, is a good choice.

Example Question #227 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

His __________ performance led many to wonder if he was even trying to do a good job.

Possible Answers:

irreproachable

abysmal

nascent

cheerful

disinterested

Correct answer:

abysmal

Explanation:

The sentence indicates the quality of the performance was such that people wondered "if he was even trying." This means the correct answer will show his performance was not good. "Abysmal," meaning extremely bad, is the best fit among the answers.

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