GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #413 : One Blank Texts
Although he believed he was the perfect candidate, he never ____________ the man who received the promotion instead.
adored
begrudged
complimented
beknighted
lavished
begrudged
The sentence contrasts the candidate's belief in his perfection with the way he approached the promoted man. The correct answer will show there was never any ill will from the candidate. "Begrudged," meaning to resent, is the best fit in the sentence.
Example Question #414 : One Blank Texts
The company's board slowly _____________ around the plan of buying out their competitor.
dismembered
equivocated
congealed
splintered
muddled
congealed
The board eventually agreed, as the sentence indicates the board decided on the plan to sell. The correct answer will describe the board coming together "around the plan." "Congealed," meaning to solidify, is the best fit among the answer choices.
Example Question #415 : One Blank Texts
The entire city block had to be ____________ to make room for the new arena.
enlivened
razed
ratified
coalesced
envisaged
razed
The city block is in the way of the new arena, which is why it has "to make room for the new arena." The correct answer will indicate the block was destroyed for the arena. "Razed," meaning completely destroyed or flattened, is the best choice.
Example Question #416 : One Blank Texts
Over time, his interest in politics _____________ and eventually he hardly followed it at all.
belabored
obviated
waned
goaded
enlarged
waned
The fact his interest became something "he hardly followed" means the correct answer will show a drop off in interest. "Waned," meaning to fall off or lessen, is the best fit in the sentence.
Example Question #417 : One Blank Texts
The boy was _____________ by the older girl's stories of college, and desperately wanted to attend her school.
tried
jaded
scarred
besmirched
beguiled
beguiled
The boy's desire to attend the girl's college means he was clearly impressed with her stories. The correct answer will indicate his appreciation for her stories. "Beguiled," which means charmed,or even lured, is the correct answer.
Example Question #417 : One Blank Texts
The young man's reckless behavior was often the result of being ______________ into action by his friends.
belied
goaded
waned
waxed
waived
goaded
The young man's friends were effectively causing his behavior and the correct answer will indicate their encouragement. "Goaded," meaning prodded or urged, is the best fit in the sentence.
Example Question #418 : One Blank Texts
His argument was well-received at first, but he _____________ it until the audience wanted him to end.
belabored
beknighted
enhanced
enlivened
subverted
belabored
The final clause of the sentence, "the audience wanted him to end," indicates the speaker went too long. The correct answer will fully bring this meaning to the sentence. "Belabored," meaning to explain an argument in too much detail, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #419 : One Blank Texts
The professor's sharp voice ________________ on her, and she was unsure if she could remain in the class.
soothed
grated
piqued
jaded
waxed
grated
The "professor's sharp voice," and the subject's desire to leave the class mean the voice bothered her, and the best choice will show this. "Grated," meaning to aggravate or annoy, is the correct answer.
Example Question #421 : One Blank Texts
The girl's love of dogs ______________ until her parents had no choice but to buy her a puppy.
strutted
waxed
jaded
goaded
waived
waxed
The parents' feeling that they had to buy a puppy indicates the "girl's love of dogs" was strong. The correct answer will indicate the growth or strength of that love. "Waxed," meaning to grow or increase, is the best choice.
Example Question #422 : One Blank Texts
The self-centered girl did not understand that being _____________ by potential boyfriends was a problem many of her peers envied.
negated
petrified
belied
begrudged
beleaguered
beleaguered
The fact the girl's "problem" is desired by others means she was receiving attention from "potential boyfriends." The correct answer will infer this and keep the sarcastic tone of the sentence. "Beleaguered," meaning annoyed or badgered, is the best answer choice.
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