GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #591 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Although managing water levels was only a small part of the job description, once a drought went into effect it became the basic __________ of the city manager.
lacuna
indifference
esoterica
imperative
reconnaissance
imperative
"Managing water levels" was not a key part of the job until "a drought went into effect." Both the structure of the sentence and the fact a drought is a lack of water indicate the correct answer has to indicate the new important place of "managing water levels." "Imperative," meaning something that must happen or be taken care of, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #592 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Although in reality he was quite nice, his lack of social skills often left people assuming he was a __________.
cavalier
sir
boor
miscreant
gentleman
boor
A "boor" is a person who is rude or insensitive.
Example Question #593 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The senator's staff quickly tried to deal with the reporter's __________ before the attack could hurt the politician's image.
acclamation
commendation
proscription
detraction
approbation
detraction
A "detraction" is a verbal attack or a slandering remark. A detraction written by a reporter would certainly hurt the senator's claims.
Example Question #594 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The riots hit their __________ with a mass wave of violence that killed dozens, but then began to calm down.
apogee
facade
cant
ephemera
taunt
apogee
The sentence does describe "a mass wave of violence that killed dozens," yet also describes that the riots "calm down." This indicates the missing word reflects an ultimate point of terrible violence in the riots. "Apogee," meaning the highest or furthest point or climactic moment, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #595 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
He suffered a general __________ that made him trust no one and see harm in everything.
intransigence
purism
paranoia
psychosis
kleptomania
paranoia
The sentence describes the subject as someone who can "trust no one and see harm in everything." These phrases can be used a fair definition or clue to the correct answer. "Paranoia," meaning a mental condition featuring a general fear or anxiety, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #596 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
His constant attacks on a much larger force showed a lack of _________ in miltary matters.
resiliences
foolhardiness
umbrage
intermittence
prudence
prudence
The sentence describes the subject attacking "a much larger force" and doing so constantly. This indicates the correct answer needs to show the subject has a "lack of" good judgement. "Prudence," meaning caution and wisdom, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #597 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The __________ of his image took a long time to fully come back to the previous level of respect from the public.
resuscitation
personification
obliteration
reconnaissance
deification
resuscitation
The sentence discusses the subject's image having "to fully come back to the previous level." This means the correct answer has to indicate bringing something back to past levels. "Resuscitation," literally meaning to bring back to life, and here used figuratively, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #598 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
His position as a committed _________ stood at odds with his ownership of multiple bars.
dissident
iconoclast
intemperate
archetype
teetotaler
teetotaler
The sentence contrasts the subject's position as the missing word with "his ownership of multiple bars." The correct answer needs to indicate opposition to bars, drinking, or ownership. "Teetotaler," meaning someone who completely abstains from alcohol, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #599 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
While she was still grieving over her mother's death, her pets' affection proved a __________ for her sadness.
combustion
temper
underwriter
retardant
balm
balm
The sentence describes the "pets' affection" as doing the missing word "while she was still grieving." This indicates the correct answer should show some help for the subject's grief. "Balm," meaning something soothing and calming, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #600 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The performer was a __________ who surpassed most of his fellow violinists in ability.
personification
charlatan
virtuoso
figurehead
drone
virtuoso
The sentence describes the subject as having "surpassed most of his fellow violinists in ability." This indicates he was a very gifted and talented musician. "Virtuoso," meaning a highly skilled and accomplished performer, is the correct answer choice.
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