GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #1121 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The play was an __________ blend of nostalgic nonsense and jingoistic hero worship.
ebullient
irreproachable
insipid
resplendent
inspiring
insipid
The play is described as "nostalgic nonsense and jingoistic hero worship," both of which are highly negative descriptions. The correct answer must fit with the harsh tone of the sentence. "Insipid," meaning bland and unexciting, is the best choice.
Example Question #1122 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The knight was accused of being __________ after fleeing the battle at the first sign of trouble.
fortitudinous
corpulent
pusillanimous
irreproachable
poised
pusillanimous
The knight leaves fighting "at the first sign of trouble." This indicates he wishes to avoid fighting and combat, and the correct answer needs to reflect this. "Pusillanimous," meaning cowardly and timid, is the best choice.
Example Question #1123 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The old captain was a __________ presence who never showed any signs of having fun.
verbose
zany
ebullient
excitable
staid
staid
The sentence notes the "old captain" rarely exhibited "signs of having fun." The correct answer must therefore mean extremely serious and sober, the definition of "staid."
Example Question #1122 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
In its current dilapidated state, the ruins remained a __________ presence of the city's former glory.
transgressive
beleaguered
germinal
vestigial
histrionic
vestigial
The ruins are a sign of "the city's former glory," which is now long past. The correct answer will indicate that the ruins are a relic and reminder of that past. "Vestigial," meaning a useless or shrunken element that remains, is the best choice.
Example Question #1123 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Her __________ notions on marriage meant she was mocked by her more progressive friends.
antiquated
prudent
idiosyncratic
transgressive
contemporary
antiquated
The sentence contrasts the subject's "notions on marriage" with the "progressive" notions of her friends. The correct answer must stand opposed to "progressive." "Antiquated," meaning old fashioned or outdated, is the best fit.
Example Question #1124 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The first warning interns received was to avoid upsetting the boss, as he was known for a(n) __________ temperament.
ebullient
languid
choleric
placid
sanguine
choleric
The boss must be treated carefully, because of his "temperament," described by the missing word. The correct answer must mean easily upset or angered, the definition of "choleric."
Example Question #1125 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The obtuse boy's mind proved much more __________ when asked to describe fantastical stories.
vacuous
discerning
fecund
inimical
egalitarian
fecund
The "obtuse," or slow and dimwitted, boy had a different capability when discussing "fantastical stories." The correct answer needs to mean the opposite of "obtuse." "Fecund," meaning fertile and productive, is the best choice.
Example Question #1126 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The teenager's eulogy for his grandfather was exceptionally __________, moving many people to tears.
petulant
mundane
profound
inane
vacuous
profound
The eulogy moved "many people to tears," making it a touching moment. The correct answer should mean deeply moving and with a great deal of meaning, the definition of "profound."
Example Question #1127 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Her __________ younger brother would follow behind her and do anything she asked.
zealous
transgressive
maverick
petulant
servile
servile
The brother would "do anything she asked." This means he was obedient to his sister, and the correct answer will reflect this. "Servile," meaning overly submissive or groveling, is the correct answer.
Example Question #1128 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
He was notably __________ about his job, and his boss thought he wanted to be fired.
sagacious
rigorous
apathetic
ebullient
enthusiastic
apathetic
The fact "his boss thought he wanted to be fired" means he is not doing his job well. The correct answer will show his poor performance and attitude. "Apathetic," meaning indifferent or uninterested, is the best choice.
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