GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #943 : One Blank Texts
In a rush, the employer gave only a __________ look at the application before deciding not to hire the newly graduated applicant.
comprehensive
cursory
meticulous
detailed
cursory
"Cursory" means hurried, hasty, or done with little attention.
Example Question #944 : One Blank Texts
The beautiful new painting hung in the living room gave the entire space a(n) __________ appeal.
aesthetic
grisly
grotesque
loathsome
unseemly
aesthetic
"Aesthetic" means artistic, or dealing with art or beauty.
Example Question #1231 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The author preferred to avoid academic terms, and instead opted for more __________ language.
intellectual
structuralist
virulent
colloquial
incoherent
colloquial
The sentence contrasts the author's "language," described by the missing word, with "academic terms." This means the correct answer will mean the opposite of "academic," which when used regarding language means technical and wordy. "Colloquial," meaning informal and casual, particularly with regards to language, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #1232 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The young boy was strikingly __________, and always noticed when his parents were talking about him.
oblivious
percipient
naïve
bungling
incoherent
percipient
The sentence notes the "young boy" notices "when his parents are talking about him." This indicates he is aware of what his parents are doing, even when they do not want him to be. "Percipient," meaning insightful and perceptive, is the correct answer choice.
Example Question #1233 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The congressman was a usually __________ defender of policemen, and quickly came to the accused cop's aid.
esoteric
ambivalent
indifferent
wavering
staunch
staunch
The last phrase of the sentence notes the congressman "quickly came to the accused cop's aid." This action indicates he was usually quite a strong defender of policeman. "Staunch," meaning loyal and dependable, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #1234 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Her __________ plan to take over the leadership was revealed when her private journal was discovered with secret notes.
virulent
quaint
explicit
furtive
compliant
furtive
The use of words like "private" and "secret" are the best indications of the correct answer choice. While a few words could fit the sentence, the use of those words narrows down the selections. Of all the answer choices, only "furtive," meaning hidden and secret, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #1235 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The __________ groups claimed a legitimacy from the people the autocratic government was never able to truly claim.
establishmentarian
quarantine
perfunctory
austere
insurgent
insurgent
The sentence contrasts the group, described by the missing word, as being against the "autocratic government." Additionally, the group is challenging the government's "legitimacy." The correct answer must indicate all of these facts, and "insurgent," meaning rebellious and against the establishment, is the best choice.
Example Question #1236 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The mission was seen as __________ by most of the military leadership due to the lack of success of similar missions in the past.
quaint
worthwhile
strident
negotiable
futile
futile
The sentence describes past "similar missions" as having a "lack of success," and that this colored the "military leadership's" view, described by the missing word. The correct answer needs to indicate the leadership believes the mission will not work. "Futile," meaning useless or hopeless, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #1237 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The film's slow pace and excessive run time made the viewing experience seem __________.
engaging
affable
interminable
peremptory
vital
interminable
The film is described as having a "slow pace and excessive run time," which causes the viewing experience described the missing word. The correct answer needs to mean long or slow. "Interminable," meaning never-ending and ceaseless, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #1238 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The museum had a __________ feeling thanks to its small size and homey exhibits.
quaint
contemporary
dynamic
modern
futile
quaint
The missing word is used as an adjective for a museum that is also noted as having a "small size" and "homey exhibits." This indicates the correct answer must mean something similar to "small" and "homey." "Quaint," meaning picturesque and charming, is the best choice among the answers.
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