GRE Verbal : Parts of Speech in One-Blank Texts

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store varsity tutors ibooks store

Example Questions

Example Question #691 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

At age fifty, the couple left their hectic urban life for their __________ cabin in the woods.

Possible Answers:

transgressive

obscene

tranquil

exceptional

ominous

Correct answer:

tranquil

Explanation:

The missing word is contrasted with "hectic," and the correct answer will be an antonym to hectic. "Tranquil," meaning peaceful and calm, is the correct answer.

Example Question #692 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

His ______________ beliefs were distinctly at odds with his job in local government.

Possible Answers:

communitarian

anarchist

socialist

pragmatic

libertarian

Correct answer:

libertarian

Explanation:

The "job in local government" stands in opposition to the man's beliefs. The correct answer will indicate a dissatisfaction or dislike of a job in government. "Libertarian," describing a political belief in limited government, is the best choice.

Example Question #1005 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The dark storm clouds were an ______________ presence throught the game.

Possible Answers:

ominous

omniscient

opulent

ambiguous

ambivalent

Correct answer:

ominous

Explanation:

The clouds are referenced as "dark" and are present "throughout the game." The correct answer will indicate their looming presence. "Ominous," meaning threatening and imposing, is the best choice.

Example Question #693 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Money has been a ______________ force in politics, dating back to the influence of leading citizens on the Roman Senate.

Possible Answers:

sallow

saccharin

nebulous

miniscule

potent

Correct answer:

potent

Explanation:

The note of the "influence of leading citizens" of Rome indicates that money plays a large role in politics. The correct answer should mean strong or powerful, which is the definition of "potent."

Example Question #694 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Due to his ________________ arrest charge, he was no longer allowed to work with children.

Possible Answers:

pragmatic

concealed

subtle

posthumous

ignominious

Correct answer:

ignominious

Explanation:

The consequences of the arrest are quite severe, limiting the work available to the subject of the sentence. The kind of arrest will therefore be strange or quite extreme. "Ignominious," meaning shameful or infamous, is the correct answer choice.

Example Question #695 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The superhero film was criticized for making its hero _______________, and for giving him no flaws.

Possible Answers:

omnipotent

omniscient

bourgeois

congenital

supercilious

Correct answer:

omnipotent

Explanation:

The superhero has "no flaws," which describes the missing word. The correct answer will indicate his lack of issues. "Omnipotent," meaning all powerful, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #696 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

His _____________ nature prevented him from taking too many chances with investments.

Possible Answers:

erratic

pragmatic

obsequious

histrionic

hypocritical

Correct answer:

pragmatic

Explanation:

The best description in the sentence is that the subject does not take "too many chances."  The subject must then be someone who is cautious or extremely reasonable.  "Pragmatic," meaning practical and rational, is the correct answer.

Example Question #697 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

She grew increasingly ________________ with her boyfriend's immature and obnoxious behavior.

Possible Answers:

exasperated

enthused

sedate

tranquil

subdued

Correct answer:

exasperated

Explanation:

The "immature and obnoxious behavior" means the subject of the sentence is not happy with her boyfriend. The correct answer will need to mean she is annoyed or frustrated, the definition of "exasperated."

Example Question #698 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The man was not very ____________ for a dancer, with a stiff body and mechanical movements.

Possible Answers:

torpid

languid

rigid

demure

lithe

Correct answer:

lithe

Explanation:

The missing word is contrasted with "stiff body and mechanical movements." The correct answer needs to mean the opposite of "stiff" and "mechanical." "Lithe," which means supple of flexible, is the best answer choice.

Example Question #699 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Many authors fell an _______________ narrator is problematic, as it leaves no room for unknown details.

Possible Answers:

itinerant

expressive

egregious

omnipotent

omniscient

Correct answer:

omniscient

Explanation:

The problem with the narrator described by the answer is that "unknown details" are blocked off. The correct answer will indicate the narrator is all knowing or sees everything, which is the definition of omniscient.

Tired of practice problems?

Try live online GRE prep today.

1-on-1 Tutoring
Live Online Class
1-on-1 + Class
Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors