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 #712 : Text Completion

The phone number was ______________, and had not been in use for years.

Possible Answers:

inconsistent

portentuous

defunct

undersold

overwhelming

Correct answer:

defunct

Explanation:

The meaning of the correct answer is essentially evident with "had not been in use." This is the exact definition of "defunct."

Example Question #648 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

After reading a variety of racist books, the man's beliefs became particularly __________.

Possible Answers:

jovial

serene

exuberant

equivocal

odious

Correct answer:

odious

Explanation:

The man's beliefs changed after he had read "racist books," giving a strong clue to the correct word. Presumably, the books were hateful and nasty. "Odious," meaning repellent and hateful, is the only answer choice that fits the sentence.

Example Question #649 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

No matter how often the teacher begged for quiet, the students remained quite _____________.

Possible Answers:

voluble

reserved

impenetrable

docile

unassuming

Correct answer:

voluble

Explanation:

The teacher cannot get the students to be quiet, no matter what. The students, therefore, are being loud and boisterous. Only "voluble," meaning talkative or noisy, fits the meaning of the sentence.

Example Question #651 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The man's conversational style featured lots of extraneous points that were not __________ to his main idea.

Possible Answers:

excessive

effusive

exuberant

germane

munificent

Correct answer:

germane

Explanation:

The man's style had "extraneous points," which means he was not staying close to the "main idea." The correct answer will the be a word that indicates staying close to the main idea. "Germane," meaning relevant or on topic, is the best answer choice.

Example Question #21 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

Being ______________ appeared to be second nature to her, as she would help anyone who needed assistance.

Possible Answers:

perspicacious

munificent

efficient

parsimonious

avaricious

Correct answer:

munificent

Explanation:

The subject's desire to "help anyone" is the chief descriptor of the correct answer in the sentence. The best choice will mean giving or generous, which is the definition of "munificent."

Example Question #653 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The level of ignorance on display from the crowd was ______________ to the intellectual lecturer.

Possible Answers:

mundane

salvific

pertinent

stupefying

gratifying

Correct answer:

stupefying

Explanation:

All of the given answer choices could complete the sentence in some fashion, but the best option will be correct answer. The contrast between an "intellectual lecturer" and the ignorance of the crowd means the lecturer is at odds with the crowd's views. "Stupefying," meaning shocking or stunning, is the best answer choice.

Example Question #714 : Text Completion

Her children joked that her _______________ purse could hold all the world's riches.

Possible Answers:

mundane

miniscule

efficient

voluminous

impish

Correct answer:

voluminous

Explanation:

The phrase "all the world's riches" makes it clear the children joked about the size of their mother's purse. "Voluminous, meaning extremely large or spacious, is the correct answer choice.

Example Question #655 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The political party was ________________ and unable to compete in most elections.

Possible Answers:

vibrant

vital

seminal

robust

germinal

Correct answer:

germinal

Explanation:

The party was "unable to compete," which means it was not a strong or established party.  The correct answer will indicate the party's weakness. "Germinal," meaning undeveloped or immature, is the correct answer.

Example Question #656 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The team became ______________, and soon quit following their coach's instructions.

Possible Answers:

servile

equivocal

obsequious

agreeable

mutinous

Correct answer:

mutinous

Explanation:

The team's action, not following what the coach asked, is a sign they were acting against their coach. The correct answer will indicate rebellion. "Mutinous," meaning to seek to overthrow, is the correct answer.

Example Question #654 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

He had grown from an awkward kid to a _______________ young adult in a matter of just a few years.

Possible Answers:

reticent

voracious

personable

reclusive

salacious

Correct answer:

personable

Explanation:

The structure of the sentence contrasts "awkward kid" with the correct answer. The right choice will be a word meaning the opposite of "awkward." Of the answer choices, only "personable," meaning likable and attractive, fits the sentence.

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