GRE Verbal : Adjectives and Adverbs in One-Blank Texts

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #71 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

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

Possible Answers:

exasperated

subdued

tranquil

sedate

enthused

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 #72 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

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

Possible Answers:

lithe

rigid

torpid

demure

languid

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 #73 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

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

Possible Answers:

omniscient

omnipotent

itinerant

egregious

expressive

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.

Example Question #74 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The new CEO was a ________________, and she eliminated all extra costs and programs.

Possible Answers:

hypocrite

ruminant

recluse

pragmatist

hypochondriac

Correct answer:

pragmatist

Explanation:

The "extra costs and programs" being cut is the best clue to the answer. The CEO is concerned with what works and what is doable, and the answer should indicate that. "Pragmatist," meaning a practical person or some one focused on usefulness, is the correct answer.

Example Question #75 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

Most critics viewed the novel as overly ____________, but a large number of readers responded to the romantic plotline.

Possible Answers:

lethargic

terse

cynical

saccharin

succinct

Correct answer:

saccharin

Explanation:

The readers view the novel as "romantic," while the critics viewed it as the missing word, meaning the correct answer will be a somewhat negative take on "romantic." "Saccharin," meaning grossly sweet or overly sentimental, is the best choice.

Example Question #76 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The weather at the camp was generally brutal, with pleasant spells being a __________ phenomenon.

Possible Answers:

transient

persistent

mundane

congenital

gratuitous

Correct answer:

transient

Explanation:

The weather is described as "generally brutal," so the "pleasant spells" were not a common feature. The correct answer will indicate that the good weather is short-lived or passing, which is the definition of "transient."

Example Question #728 : One Blank Texts

He attempted to remain ______________, and not get close to any of his coworkers.

Possible Answers:

pertinent

gregarious

hyperbolic

aloof

effusive

Correct answer:

aloof

Explanation:

The subject of the sentence is attempting to avoid his coworkers. The correct answer should demonstrate he is not being friendly. "Aloof," meaning distant or detached, is the best choice.

Example Question #77 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

Teenagers will often use offensive language, but racial slurs are _______________.

Possible Answers:

condoned

affable

mundane

exceptionable

idiosyncratic

Correct answer:

exceptionable

Explanation:

The structure of the sentence indicates that "racial slurs" goes beyond usual "offensive language." The correct answer needs to show how far beyond they truly are. "Exceptionable," meaning something offensive or objectionable, is the best fit among the answer choices.

Example Question #78 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The boy's mother was _____________ when he came home from school with an injured hand.

Possible Answers:

placid

obtuse

bemused

livid

congenial

Correct answer:

livid

Explanation:

The boy having an injury could make a mother many things—from confused to angry to sympathetic. The best fit will be one of these words or their synonym. "Livid," meaning angry and upset, is the correct answer.

Example Question #79 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

While initially considered a small inconvenience, the new regulations soon proved ____________.

Possible Answers:

onerous

inconsequential

ambiguous

agreeable

extraneous

Correct answer:

onerous

Explanation:

The regulation was already considered "a small inconvenience," and the structure of the sentence indicates it grew worse. The correct answer should mean burdensome or problematic, which is the definition of "onerous."

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