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 #981 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

His __________ stance put him at odds with his more conciliatory colleagues.

Possible Answers:

belligerent

flippant

discerning

mellow

acquiescent

Correct answer:

belligerent

Explanation:

The missing word is contrasted with the colleagues being "more conciliatory." The correct answer has to indicate he is unwilling to compromise. "Belligerent," meaning hostile and war like, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #982 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The __________ nature of the vehicle made it well loved despite its lack of style or luxury.
Possible Answers:

couture

utilitarian

excessive

rococo

baroque

Correct answer:

utilitarian

Explanation:

The sentence explicitly says the vehicle has a "lack of style and luxury," but is "well loved." The correct answer will indicate its unglamorousness.  "Utilitarian," meaning functional and basic, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #983 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Despite his confrontational statements, he proved quite __________ when he needed to make a deal.

Possible Answers:

onerous

vociferous

obscene

tractable

bellicose

Correct answer:

tractable

Explanation:

The sentence contrasts the missing word with his "confrontational statements." The correct answer will need to indicate that the subject was actually helpful. "Tractable," meaning obedient and dutiful, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #984 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

By the end of his life, he had become __________ and never stayed anywhere more than a few days.

Possible Answers:

inviolable

peripatetic

concise

excessive

reclusive

Correct answer:

peripatetic

Explanation:

The key phrase in the sentence is "never stayed anywhere more than a few days." This indicates the correct answer will mean moving around or unable to stay still. "Peripatetic," meaning nomadic or wandering, is the best choice.

Example Question #985 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The __________ speech made it clear the leader was unhappy with her opponents.

Possible Answers:

mundane

apologetic

banal

vitriolic

recusant

Correct answer:

vitriolic

Explanation:

The leader's position of being "unhappy with her opponents" is the best clue in the sentence. This indicates the correct answer must mean diisappoint and/or anger. "Vitriolic," meaning full of anger and attacking, is the best choice.

Example Question #986 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

His __________ clothing stood out among the boring suits of his colleagues.

Possible Answers:

common

garish

banal

squalid

mundane

Correct answer:

garish

Explanation:

The sentence contrasts the missing word with his colleages' "boring suits." The correct answer needs to mean the opposite of "boring." "Garish," meaning gaudy and outlandish, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #1299 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

For a young child, she was quite __________ in trying new and different foods.

Possible Answers:

adverse

hostile

monotonous

intrepid

stereotypical

Correct answer:

intrepid

Explanation:

The "young child" is "trying new and different foods," a fact described by the missing word. The correct answer should mean brave and daring, the definition of "intrepid."

Example Question #1300 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The __________ nature of the job quickly made him want variety in his life.

Possible Answers:

quixotic

dynamic

eccentric

exuberant

monotonous

Correct answer:

monotonous

Explanation:

The sentence explicitly notes the subject wanted "variety in his life." The correct answer will therefore be an antonym of "variety." "Monotonous," meaning dull or unvaried, is the best choice.

Example Question #987 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The once prominent issue eventually became a _________ concern for most politicians.

Possible Answers:

fractious

cataclysmic

peripheral

pernicious

seminal

Correct answer:

peripheral

Explanation:

The sentence uses the missing word to contrast the issue's current position with the fact it was "once prominent." The correct answer must mean unimportant  and not central, the definition of "peripheral."

Example Question #988 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

While planned as a relaxing family vacation, the children ruined it with their __________ attitude.

Possible Answers:

affable

ebullient

colloquial

querulous

banal

Correct answer:

querulous

Explanation:

The children's attitude has "ruined" the "relaxing family vacation." This means their attutude is problematic or annoying. "Querulous," meaning obnoxiously questioning, is the best choice among the answers.

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