GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #1001 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The crew still had to run tests to determine if the liquid was ________________ and nontoxic.
opaque
ambiguous
obtuse
potable
egregious
potable
The sentence pairs the missing word with "nontoxic;" therefore, the correct answer will be similar in meaning to "nontoxic." "Potable," meaning suitable for drinking, is the best choice.
Example Question #1002 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
A trim man as a youth, he grew more and more _______________ as he aged.
rotund
vigorous
lithe
palaver
slender
rotund
The sentence contrasts the subject's trim physique as a younger man with the missing word. The correct answer will indicate he is physically unfit. "Rotund," meaning large and round, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #1003 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
At age fifty, the couple left their hectic urban life for their __________ cabin in the woods.
transgressive
ominous
tranquil
obscene
exceptional
tranquil
The missing word is contrasted with "hectic," and the correct answer will be an antonym to hectic. "Tranquil," meaning peaceful and calm, is the correct answer.
Example Question #1004 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
His ______________ beliefs were distinctly at odds with his job in local government.
libertarian
communitarian
socialist
pragmatic
anarchist
libertarian
The "job in local government" stands in opposition to the man's beliefs. The correct answer will indicate a dissatisfaction or dislike of a job in government. "Libertarian," describing a political belief in limited government, is the best choice.
Example Question #1005 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The dark storm clouds were an ______________ presence throught the game.
ominous
ambivalent
omniscient
ambiguous
opulent
ominous
The clouds are referenced as "dark" and are present "throughout the game." The correct answer will indicate their looming presence. "Ominous," meaning threatening and imposing, is the best choice.
Example Question #1006 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Money has been a ______________ force in politics, dating back to the influence of leading citizens on the Roman Senate.
saccharin
potent
miniscule
nebulous
sallow
potent
The note of the "influence of leading citizens" of Rome indicates that money plays a large role in politics. The correct answer should mean strong or powerful, which is the definition of "potent."
Example Question #1007 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Due to his ________________ arrest charge, he was no longer allowed to work with children.
posthumous
pragmatic
ignominious
subtle
concealed
ignominious
The consequences of the arrest are quite severe, limiting the work available to the subject of the sentence. The kind of arrest will therefore be strange or quite extreme. "Ignominious," meaning shameful or infamous, is the correct answer choice.
Example Question #1008 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The superhero film was criticized for making its hero _______________, and for giving him no flaws.
omniscient
bourgeois
congenital
supercilious
omnipotent
omnipotent
The superhero has "no flaws," which describes the missing word. The correct answer will indicate his lack of issues. "Omnipotent," meaning all powerful, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #1009 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
His _____________ nature prevented him from taking too many chances with investments.
hypocritical
obsequious
erratic
pragmatic
histrionic
pragmatic
The best description in the sentence is that the subject does not take "too many chances." The subject must then be someone who is cautious or extremely reasonable. "Pragmatic," meaning practical and rational, is the correct answer.
Example Question #1010 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
She grew increasingly ________________ with her boyfriend's immature and obnoxious behavior.
tranquil
subdued
sedate
enthused
exasperated
exasperated
The "immature and obnoxious behavior" means the subject of the sentence is not happy with her boyfriend. The correct answer will need to mean she is annoyed or frustrated, the definition of "exasperated."
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