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.

Possible Answers:

opaque

potable

obtuse

egregious

ambiguous

Correct answer:

potable

Explanation:

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 #1001 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

A trim man as a youth, he grew more and more _______________ as he aged.

Possible Answers:

slender

rotund

vigorous

lithe

palaver

Correct answer:

rotund

Explanation:

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 #1002 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

At age fifty, the couple left their hectic urban life for their __________ cabin in the woods.

Possible Answers:

exceptional

obscene

tranquil

transgressive

ominous

Correct answer:

tranquil

Explanation:

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 #1003 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

His ______________ beliefs were distinctly at odds with his job in local government.

Possible Answers:

libertarian

communitarian

anarchist

pragmatic

socialist

Correct answer:

libertarian

Explanation:

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.

Possible Answers:

ominous

omniscient

opulent

ambiguous

ambivalent

Correct answer:

ominous

Explanation:

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.

Possible Answers:

saccharin

nebulous

sallow

potent

miniscule

Correct answer:

potent

Explanation:

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.

Possible Answers:

pragmatic

concealed

posthumous

ignominious

subtle

Correct answer:

ignominious

Explanation:

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 #1004 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The superhero film was criticized for making its hero _______________, and for giving him no flaws.

Possible Answers:

omnipotent

congenital

omniscient

bourgeois

supercilious

Correct answer:

omnipotent

Explanation:

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 #1005 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

His _____________ nature prevented him from taking too many chances with investments.

Possible Answers:

obsequious

pragmatic

hypocritical

erratic

histrionic

Correct answer:

pragmatic

Explanation:

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 #1006 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

She grew increasingly ________________ with her boyfriend's immature and obnoxious behavior.

Possible Answers:

exasperated

subdued

sedate

tranquil

enthused

Correct answer:

exasperated

Explanation:

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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