GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #453 : One Blank Texts

This battle, called a __________ since there were few casualties, resulted in __________ between the two sides, resumed the next day—since nothing had been decided.

Possible Answers:

brandish . . . inequality

brandish . . . parity

skirmish . . . inequality

bludgeoning . . . cacophony

skirmish . . . parity

Correct answer:

skirmish . . . parity

Explanation:

The first blank must mean that it was a small battle, since there were few casualties, which is fit by "skirmish." For the second blank, the battle seems to have been indecisive, so it would have resulted in "parity" or "equality."

Example Question #454 : One Blank Texts

He was found guilty, but DNA evidence later surfaced which __________ him.

Possible Answers:

denounced

postulated

exonerated

incriminated

exasperated

Correct answer:

exonerated

Explanation:

He had been found guilty, but the evidence cleared his guilt, or "exonerated" him.

Example Question #455 : One Blank Texts

After having to get three cavities filled, she decided to __________ drinking soda.

Possible Answers:

abjure

impugn

extradite

abate

extol

Correct answer:

abjure

Explanation:

She rejected or gave up drinking soda, and the only word here that means that is abjure.

Example Question #456 : One Blank Texts

Her little brother's favorite way to ________________ her was by mimicking all her moments.

Possible Answers:

nettle

redress

pillage

bemoan

efface

Correct answer:

nettle

Explanation:

"Mimicking all her movements" is presumably something the sister would dislike, but would not overly harm her. The correct answer will mean annoy or bother, the definition of nettle.

Example Question #497 : Text Completion

After the day long hike, everyone needed time to ________________ before hiking again.

Possible Answers:

redress

recuperate

recant

lavish

burnish

Correct answer:

recuperate

Explanation:

"Everyone" needed a break "before hiking again." The correct answer will indicate what they needed that break for. "Recuperate," meaning to rest and get better, is the best fit among the answers.

Example Question #457 : One Blank Texts

Reading a book set in Paris, ___________________ his desire to travel there even more.

Possible Answers:

bristled

whetted

waned

effaced

laxed

Correct answer:

whetted

Explanation:

The book reading had an effect on his desire to travel to Paris, and the phrase "even more" indicate it helped that desire. "Whetted," meaning to sharpen or refine, is the best fit among the answer choices.

Example Question #499 : Text Completion

Living far away from any other people, the farmer considered a full day's drive a simple _____________.

Possible Answers:

degradation

jaunt

trial

decoy

rigor

Correct answer:

jaunt

Explanation:

The two key words in the sentence are "drive" and "simple." The correct answer will indicate an easy journey. "Jaunt," meaning a fun, short trip, is the best choice.

Example Question #458 : One Blank Texts

Old ballplayers often ________________ changes in the game as evidence modern players are weak.

Possible Answers:

encourage

betoken

enthrall

embroil

bemoan

Correct answer:

bemoan

Explanation:

The fact the "old ballplayers" think "modern ballplayers are weak" indicates they dislike the changes in the game. The correct answer will indicate hatred or disagreement. "Bemoan, meaning to complain or lament, is the best fit.

Example Question #431 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The goal of the army's mission was to ______________ prisoners held in an enemy camp.

Possible Answers:

emaciate

emancipate

recuperate

immoderate

degradate

Correct answer:

emancipate

Explanation:

The sentence says the mission concerns "prisoners held in an enemy camp." Presumably, the army wants to have its prisoners out of an enemy camp. "Emancipate," meaning to set free, is the correct answer.

Example Question #432 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

His reckless driving ______________ the safety of his passengers.

Possible Answers:

jeopardized

poised

cajoled

placated

juxtaposed

Correct answer:

jeopardized

Explanation:

The "reckless driving" is affecting "the safety of his passengers" through the missing word.  The correct answer will indicate some harm to the safety of the passengers. "Jeopardized,"  meaning to put at risk or endanger, is the best choice.

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