GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #1251 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

It was deemed old-fashioned, but the school thought it __________ for all their students to wear blazers.

Possible Answers:

antiquated

perfunctory

apposite

appalling

quaint

Correct answer:

apposite

Explanation:

While the first clause in the sentence calls the students wearing blazers "old-fashioned," the structure of the sentence indicates the school thinks differently.  The correct answer should show the school's belief in the practice, despite the criticism. "Apposite," meaning suitable and appropriate, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #1252 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The __________ nature of undercover police work is rarely shown in glamorous media portrayals of cirme figting.

Possible Answers:

remarkable

seminal

quotidian

rare

excessive

Correct answer:

quotidian

Explanation:

The sentence explicitly contrasts the missing word with the "glamorous media protrayals." This means the correct answer will mean boring and unglamorous. "Quotidian," meaning everyday and commonplace, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #1253 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The _________ novel was an inspiration for countless works of fiction by the author's admirers.

Possible Answers:

seminal

commonplace

hackneyed

uninspiring

mundane

Correct answer:

seminal

Explanation:

The sentence describes the novel's effects on later writers, calling it an "inspiration." This means the correct answer will show the novel was path breaking and influential. "Seminal," meaning essential and formative, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #1254 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The large and diverse meal options made the starving men look __________.

Possible Answers:

agog

sardonically

disinterested

wearily

indifferently

Correct answer:

agog

Explanation:

The "hungry men" are looking at "the large and diverse meal options."  As the correct answer describes how they view the meal choices, it must reflect the fact that they would be amazed and happy with the options. "Agog," meaning wide-eyed with enthusiasm and wonder, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #1255 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Because of the church's financial troubles, they attempted to negotaiate an __________ payment to avoid one large sum.

Possible Answers:

obsequious

amortized

impecunious

obsolete

incomplete

Correct answer:

amortized

Explanation:

The sentence explicitly notes that the church is attempting "to avoid one large sum." The correct answer must indicate many payments or a lesser payment.  "Amortized," meaning to pay off debts in small, regular increments, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #1256 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The evil queen in the story was almost too __________ and verged into a caricature of a villain.

Possible Answers:

indifferent

aberrant

malevolent

dissident

benevolent

Correct answer:

malevolent

Explanation:

The sentence explains that the "evil queen" was almost too strong of a villain, and became a "caricature." This means the correct word should indicate a strong sense of evil. "Malevolent," meaning nefarious and extremly bad, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #1257 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The young man appeared __________ in photographs, but his charm and affability made him quite impressive in person.

Possible Answers:

imposing

unprepossessing

inviting

gregarious

striking

Correct answer:

unprepossessing

Explanation:

The man's "charm and affability" in person are contrasted with the way he looks in photos, described by the missing word. The young man is therefore neither charming nor interesting in photographs. "Unprepossessing," meaning unattractive and off putting, is the correct answer.

Example Question #1258 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The politician continued to be __________ about his stance on the issue, as he did not want to commit himself.

Possible Answers:

quixotic

equivocal

equivalent

serrated

mollified

Correct answer:

equivocal

Explanation:

The sentence describes that the politician "did not want to commit himself." The correct answer will reinforce this trait and show the politician is not being clear. "Equivocal," meaning ambiguous or open to interpretation, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #1259 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The fact he was often late was the only indication that the brilliant professor was actually __________.

Possible Answers:

immaculate

senseless

irreproachable

fallible

injudicious

Correct answer:

fallible

Explanation:

The "brilliant professor" has one thing which indicates the missing word: that he is "often late." The correct answer will indicate that the professor is not always perfect. "Fallible," meaning capable of making mistakes or being wrong, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #1260 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The teenage girl was usually __________, so few people believed her when she was actually serious.

Possible Answers:

solemn

facetious

stern

obtuse

staid

Correct answer:

facetious

Explanation:

The sentence details that "few people believed her when she was actually serious." This indicates that the correct answer will mean joking or unserious. "Facetious," meaning flippant or sarcastic, is the best choice among the answers.

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