GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #1161 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The challenge was brought because of an __________ rule most fans did not know existed.
arcane
excessive
unequaled
obstreperous
itinerant
arcane
The rule is one "fans did not know existed," so a description of the rule must reflect that. The correct answer should mean obscure or barely known, the definition of "arcane."
Example Question #1162 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The embarassing incident on the first day made him __________ throughout the school.
lauded
revered
zealous
infamous
consecrated
infamous
The subject has suffered an "embarassing incident" that has become known "throughout the school." This means he has become well known for something bad, the definition of "infamous."
Example Question #1163 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
After hours of listening to her son's loud and aggressive music, the woman sought a more __________ tone for her music choice.
discordant
subdued
voluble
rancorous
abrasive
subdued
The sentence explicitly contrasts the missing word with "loud and aggressive." The correct answer needs to mean softer and less aggressive. "Subdued," meaning restrained or controlled, is the best choice.
Example Question #1164 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The body was found __________, and the police only found the stomach wounds when it was moved.
torpid
prostrate
reticent
languid
exposed
prostrate
The body had to be moved to see "stomach wounds." The correct answer must therefore mean lying face down, the definition of "prostrate."
Example Question #1165 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The __________ meeting was deemed necessary because none of the parties wanted it known they were negotiating.
proscribed
clandestine
deliberate
egregious
philanthropic
clandestine
The meeting is one where no one "wanted it known" it was happening. The correct answer will reflect the meeting's discreet nature. "Clandestine," meaning secret or covert, is the best choice.
Example Question #878 : One Blank Texts
After my dog had soiled my floors with his filthy paws, I cleaned the carpeting so __________ that it was once again bereft of all the dog fur and dirt that he had left in it.
meticulously
indifferently
indignantly
blithely
halfheartedly
meticulously
Because "halfheartedly" and "indifferently" mean that the person was not very concerned with cleaning the carpet, it would not make sense that the carpet was left so spotless. "Blithely" means happily, which also does not make sense. "Indignantly" could work because it means that the person was not happy about having to clean the carpet, but "meticulously", which means painstakingly, makes the most sense because of the emphasis placed on how clean the carpet was afterward.
Example Question #1166 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Volunteering at her local hospital bolstered Alejandra's already __________ interest in studying to become a nurse.
nascent
infallible
obliterated
disingenuous
nonexistent
nascent
"Infallible" means faultless, while "disingenuous" means fake, but neither of these make sense because we are talking about Alejandra's interest in nursing increasing somehow. "Obliterated" means completely destroyed, which means that she had no interest to bolster whatsoever. "Nonexistent" would also indicate that she had no interest in nursing whatsoever, which also makes no sense; however "nascent", meaning coming into being, does make sense.
Example Question #1167 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Rain and sun, though for the most part __________ to the healthy growth of plants, can hurt them when either is in excess.
unfavorable
antagonistic
calamitous
conducive
grievous
conducive
Rain and sun are, for the most part, good for plant growth, which means that "calamitous," "grievous," "unfavorable," and "antagonistic" do not work. But "conducive," meaning making a certain outcome likely, is a good choice.
Example Question #1168 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
His __________ performance led many to wonder if he was even trying to do a good job.
disinterested
irreproachable
abysmal
nascent
cheerful
abysmal
The sentence indicates the quality of the performance was such that people wondered "if he was even trying." This means the correct answer will show his performance was not good. "Abysmal," meaning extremely bad, is the best fit among the answers.
Example Question #1169 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The band's music was usually considered __________ and highly inappropriate for mainstream radio.
congenial
subtle
pedestrian
noisome
mundane
noisome
The band's music is "highly inappropriate for mainstream radio." The correct answer must reflect a sense of horribleness or offensiveness. "Noisome," meaning disgusting or repugnant, is the best answer choice.
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