GRE Verbal : Verbs in One-Blank Texts
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #21 : Verbs In One Blank Texts
Over time, his interest in politics _____________ and eventually he hardly followed it at all.
goaded
belabored
enlarged
obviated
waned
waned
The fact his interest became something "he hardly followed" means the correct answer will show a drop off in interest. "Waned," meaning to fall off or lessen, is the best fit in the sentence.
Example Question #22 : Verbs In One Blank Texts
The boy was _____________ by the older girl's stories of college, and desperately wanted to attend her school.
besmirched
jaded
beguiled
tried
scarred
beguiled
The boy's desire to attend the girl's college means he was clearly impressed with her stories. The correct answer will indicate his appreciation for her stories. "Beguiled," which means charmed,or even lured, is the correct answer.
Example Question #417 : One Blank Texts
The young man's reckless behavior was often the result of being ______________ into action by his friends.
belied
goaded
waned
waxed
waived
goaded
The young man's friends were effectively causing his behavior and the correct answer will indicate their encouragement. "Goaded," meaning prodded or urged, is the best fit in the sentence.
Example Question #23 : Verbs In One Blank Texts
His argument was well-received at first, but he _____________ it until the audience wanted him to end.
enhanced
beknighted
enlivened
belabored
subverted
belabored
The final clause of the sentence, "the audience wanted him to end," indicates the speaker went too long. The correct answer will fully bring this meaning to the sentence. "Belabored," meaning to explain an argument in too much detail, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #24 : Verbs In One Blank Texts
The professor's sharp voice ________________ on her, and she was unsure if she could remain in the class.
piqued
jaded
soothed
grated
waxed
grated
The "professor's sharp voice," and the subject's desire to leave the class mean the voice bothered her, and the best choice will show this. "Grated," meaning to aggravate or annoy, is the correct answer.
Example Question #421 : One Blank Texts
The girl's love of dogs ______________ until her parents had no choice but to buy her a puppy.
jaded
strutted
waxed
waived
goaded
waxed
The parents' feeling that they had to buy a puppy indicates the "girl's love of dogs" was strong. The correct answer will indicate the growth or strength of that love. "Waxed," meaning to grow or increase, is the best choice.
Example Question #422 : One Blank Texts
The self-centered girl did not understand that being _____________ by potential boyfriends was a problem many of her peers envied.
belied
negated
begrudged
petrified
beleaguered
beleaguered
The fact the girl's "problem" is desired by others means she was receiving attention from "potential boyfriends." The correct answer will infer this and keep the sarcastic tone of the sentence. "Beleaguered," meaning annoyed or badgered, is the best answer choice.
Example Question #423 : One Blank Texts
The ship was _______________ in the typical naval manner, with the captain smashing a champagne bottle across its bow.
consecrated
eulogized
broached
recanted
congealed
consecrated
The sentence indicates the action was a "typical naval" ceremony. The appropriate word will indicate both the ceremony and the official, traditional nature of it. "Consecrated," meaning dedicated or inaugurated, is the correct answer.
Example Question #424 : One Blank Texts
The general attempted to _____________ his opponent's numerical advantage with a better defensive position.
negate
advocate
obviate
approve
enforce
negate
The general is trying to overcome the advantage his opponent brings to the battlefield. The correct answer will be a word that indicates he is trying to change the circumstances. "Negate," meaning to cancel or deny, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #425 : One Blank Texts
The college students were ______________ by a speeding ticket on their trip to Florida.
waylaid
condoned
waived
belied
degraded
waylaid
The "trip to Florida" indicates the students were headed somewhere, and the correct answer will show they were delayed. "Waylaid," meaning to hinder or derail, is the best choice.
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