GRE Verbal : Adjectives and Adverbs in One-Blank Texts
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
All GRE Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1042 : One Blank Texts
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.
The hikers were __________ as they began their ascent of the beautiful mountain.
ebullient
guiless
felicitous
inured
soporific
ebullient
The choice that makes the most sense is "ebullient," full of excitement and energy.
Example Question #1043 : One Blank Texts
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.
Although Bill has a temper, his anger is always __________, and his calm temperament often returns quite quickly.
dormant
ephemeral
ebullient
irascible
porous
ephemeral
The choice that makes the most sense is "ephemeral," lasting for a short time.
Example Question #1044 : One Blank Texts
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.
The __________ man was never to be trusted; even though he seemed to be telling the truth, James knew there was a better chance he was lying.
mercurial
malleable
maudlin
mendacious
meticulous
mendacious
The choice that makes the most sense is "mendacious," lying; habitually dishonest.
Example Question #1045 : One Blank Texts
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.
The boxing coach has never given up on a fighter that has __________ talent.
laconic
latent
lethargic
irresolute
lucid
latent
The choice that makes the most sense is "latent," undeveloped potential; hidden.
Example Question #1046 : One Blank Texts
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.
The survival expert is totally __________ to the harsh climate.
infernal
inflated
inert
inundated
inured
inured
The choice that makes the most sense is "inured," accustomed or hardened, especially to something unpleasant.
Example Question #1047 : One Blank Texts
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.
The __________ bellboy was to Annie more annoying than helpful.
notable
officious
obsolete
objective
opportune
officious
The choice that makes the most sense is "officious," assertive and meddlesome in an annoying way; pushy in offering something.
Example Question #1048 : One Blank Texts
Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.
Professor Robinson's monotone voice and complicated examples were too __________ for Jimmy to keep his eyes open.
rarefied
viable
soporific
laconic
tangential
soporific
The choice that makes the most sense is "soporific," tending to induce drowsiness or sleep.
Example Question #1049 : One Blank Texts
Earthquakes are a __________ problem for that area's residents, who experience two or three significant ones per year, every year.
sporadic
anomalous
felicitous
ephemeral
perennial
perennial
Because we know that the residents of the area being described deal with two or three earthquakes "per year, every year," we know that earthquakes are a recurring problem in the state and need an adjective for the first blank that suggests this. We can discard "felicitous," which means well chosen or suited to the circumstances, as well as "ephemeral," (lasting for a very short time) "anomalous," (different from what is normal or expected) and "sporadic," (occurring at irregular intervals; having no pattern or order in time). We are left with the best answer choice, "perennial," which means lasting or existing for a long or apparently infinite time; enduring or continually recurring.
Example Question #1050 : One Blank Texts
The cleric hated turning from spiritual matters to what he saw to be merely affairs.
tedious
blue-collar
pharisaical
quotidian
mundane
mundane
The sense of opposition in this sentence is indicated by the word "merely." Don't be tricked by this into some of the words such as "tedious" or even "blue-collar." The opposition is to "spiritual;" therefore, "mundane" is the best answer. Usually, this word is used in the sense of lacking interest or perhaps boring (or even tedious); however, its root is from the Latin "mundus" meaning world or universe. In English, this etymology is reflected in the extended meaning of "mundane" which signifies being earthly in distinction to heavenly or spiritual.
Example Question #391 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts
Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
He hated unnecessary aesthetic details, so his furniture was strictly __________.
lavish
malicious
benign
ominous
utilitarian
utilitarian
The subject avoids "unnecessary aesthetic details," so his furniture follows this pattern. The correct answer must indicate simplicity or a lack of finery. "Utilitarian," meaning useful and functional, is the best choice.
All GRE Verbal Resources
