GRE Verbal : Parts of Speech in One-Blank Texts
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #441 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The argument over their parents' care _______________ the siblings in conflicts they thought were long set aside.
recused
pontificated
elucidated
emaciated
embroiled
embroiled
The siblings' "argument over their parents' care" in turn stirred up further conflicts. The correct answer needs to describe the escalation of their conflicts. "Embroiled," meaning to involve in an argument or hostility, is the best fit among the answers.
Example Question #461 : One Blank Texts
They are shy animals, and only __________ from hiding when they believe nothing is around.
obscure
abscond
elude
emerge
excise
emerge
The sentence explicitly describes the animals as "shy" and "hiding." They are presumably waiting until "nothing is around" to appear or come out, the definition of "emerge."
Example Question #442 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
His prominent nose came from his father's family, and was said to be _____________ through generations.
jeopardized
bequeathed
corrugated
alleviated
brevetted
bequeathed
The passing "through generations" is the best clue to the answer in the sentence. "Bequeathed," meaning to pass something on in a will, used here metaphorically, is the correct answer.
Example Question #443 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The company attempted to improve its sales by ________________ the successful strategies of its larger competitor.
beguiling
emulating
eviscerating
obviating
pontificating
emulating
The "successful strategies" have improved sales at the "larger competitor," and the smaller company wants to also improve its sales. The correct answer will mean to copy or imitate, the definition of "emulating."
Example Question #444 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The student's research was sloppy, and all his points were easily ________________ by his professor.
recapitulated
goaded
buttressed
refuted
waxed
refuted
The research is called "sloppy," so the professor would try to challenge the research. "Easily" indicates he has dismissed the student's research. "Refuted," meaning to disprove, is the correct answer choice.
Example Question #445 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The coach was known for his intensity, ____________ his players for the smallest mistake.
allaying
placating
berating
goading
condoning
berating
The coach has a reputation for "intensity," and his reaction to mistakes must reflect this. The correct answer will show the coach getting in his players' faces. "Berating," meaning scolding and criticizing, is the best fit.
Example Question #446 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The school board ______________ the controversial measure despite the disapproval of many teachers.
endorsed
recanted
condemned
refuted
razed
endorsed
The school board's actions, described by the missing word, occur "despite the disapproval of many teachers." The correct answer needs to mean give support or approval, the definition of "endorsed."
Example Question #472 : One Blank Texts
He loved to _________________ his grandchildren with wild stories of his childhood on the frontier.
regale
deliberate
berate
recuperate
bemoan
regale
The grandfather tells his grandchildren "wild stories." The correct answer needs to demonstrate the purpose of those tales. "Regale," meaning to entertain and amuse, is the best choice.
Example Question #449 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The father thought the gift would ______________ his son's anger.
burgeon
inflame
buttress
placate
refute
placate
The use of a gift in the face of a son's anger means the father is trying to minimize the anger. The correct answer should mean to soothe or calm, the definition of "placate."
Example Question #472 : One Blank Texts
He was never one to follow any rules, and openly ________________ any guidelines placed on him,
advocated
ratified
acquiesced
coddled
flouted
flouted
The subject does not "follow any rules," so any guidelines would be ignored or gone against. The correct answer must mean defied or rejected, the definition of "flouted."
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