GRE Verbal : Nouns in One-Blank Texts

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #171 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

Choose the word that best completes the sentence below.

The unhinged, bizarre motions of the jazz pianist as he performed on stage belied his __________, which earned him a reputation as an unorthodox yet highly skilled musician.

Possible Answers:

passion

virtuosity

serendipity

ineptitude

felicity

Correct answer:

virtuosity

Explanation:

The sentence implies the pianist is an unusual performer with great skill in his instrument. Thus, "virtuosity" is the correct answer, as "virtuoso" is often used to describe a highly talented, elite musician.

Example Question #172 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

Neuroscientists suggest there is a decline in neural __________ due to the natural aging process, leading to more rigidity and less alterations in the neural pathways.

Possible Answers:

petrification

extinction

reciprocity

plasticity

coagulation

Correct answer:

plasticity

Explanation:

Studies suggest that due to aging, neural pathways become more rigid. Thus, they have less "plasticity," or pliancy.

Example Question #173 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

The ballet company is composed of an elite ensemble of dancers that have gone through laborious training; the dancers are familiar with criticism, but rarely get __________ for their efforts.

Possible Answers:

partiality

censure

approbation

repercussions

apotheosis

Correct answer:

approbation

Explanation:

Ballet dancers are under constant scrutiny but often don't receive praise for their work since criticism seems to be more prevalent in the ballet industry; therefore, they rarely get "approbation," or praise.

Example Question #174 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

Although today it is widely accepted, Wegener's theory of contiental drift was hotly contested when it was first proposed, which made him a __________ in the scientific community of the time.

Possible Answers:

firebrand

pariah

debutante

hero

socialite

Correct answer:

pariah

Explanation:

Wegener's theory was rejected when it was first proposed, and thus the scientific community must have not thought highly of it; therefore, "pariah," which means outcast, makes the most sense in this sentence.

Example Question #175 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

Tara was an unwaveringly honest woman, and as such she never tolerated __________ among her employees.  

Possible Answers:

solemnity

veracity

dignity

ferocity

mendacity

Correct answer:

mendacity

Explanation:

Tara is supposedly a very honest woman, and therefore she would not likely put up with liars. Since "mendacity" means untruthfulness, it is the best choice for this sentence.

Example Question #176 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

Despite constant __________, the incorrigible student did nothing to discontinue his unruly behavior and remained impenitent in terms of his actions.

Possible Answers:

guile

accolades

epigrams

opprobrium

deference

Correct answer:

opprobrium

Explanation:

In terms of this student with horrendous behavior, he remains unreformed despite constant "opprobrium," or criticism.

Example Question #177 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

The young girl's__________ was impressive despite its overwrought effect.

Possible Answers:

verbiage

reticence

asperity

excellence

complacence

Correct answer:

verbiage

Explanation:

The effect of the missing word is "overwrought," which means it is extremely long and complicated; nonetheless, the impressiveness indicates it is something a "young girl" might not normally achieve. "Verbiage," meaning an excess and overuse of words, is the correct answer.

Example Question #178 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

He had hoped that his gift of a dozen roses was a proper __________ for offending his wife.

Possible Answers:

atonement

recantation

refutation

lambaste

evanescence

Correct answer:

atonement

Explanation:

The sentence explicitly notes the subject had bought the roses after "offending his wife." This means the missing word will indicate the subject is trying to make up for the offense.  "Atonement," meaning making amends for a crime or offense, is the correct answer.

Example Question #179 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

Her natural __________ meant she always was able to make friends in new situations.

Possible Answers:

callowness

obeisance

gregariousness

disingenuousness

obsequiousness

Correct answer:

gregariousness

Explanation:

The subject "always was able to make friends," because she naturally possesses the missing word. This means the correct answer will show an ability to talk to people and be friendly. "Gregariousness," meaning sociability and a willingness to talk to people, is the best answer choice.

Example Question #180 : Nouns In One Blank Texts

The band's new album appeared to be a __________ to their recently deceased lead singer.

Possible Answers:

shard

luminary

perennial

paean

cornucopia

Correct answer:

paean

Explanation:

The key phrase in the sentence is "their recently deceased lead singer." This indicates the missing word will in some way celebrate or recognize the passing of the singer. "Paean," meaning a song done in praise or tribute, is the best choice among the answers.

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