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 #81 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The ability to choose a child's school is considered ______________ by reformers, and that priority is placed above everything else.

Possible Answers:

execrable

malleable

ignominious

ambiguous

sacrosanct

Correct answer:

sacrosanct

Explanation:

The choice of schools is "placed above everything else." The correct answer will indicate that it is the ultimate priority and impossible to go against. "Sacrosanct," meaning extremely holy or inviolable, is the best choice.

Example Question #82 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The sense of security felt by many in a car is often _______________, and safety advocates urge more caution from drivers.

Possible Answers:

stupefying

illusory

supercilious

condoned

debilitating

Correct answer:

illusory

Explanation:

"Safety advocates" urging "caution" means drivers are not as secure as they believe. The correct answer will mean that drivers are wrong or misguided about their safety. "Illusory," meaning deceptive or fake, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #83 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The storm left the building in a _____________ situation, swaying back and forth with every gust of wind.

Possible Answers:

rigorous

portentous

mundane

precarious

laudatory

Correct answer:

precarious

Explanation:

The building is "swaying back and forth" after a storm. The correct answer will indicate the building's troubling position. "Precarious," meaning unstable or uncertain, is the best fit among the answers.

Example Question #84 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

His knowledge of cars and sports made his fellow teenage boys believe he was more _______________ than he was.

Possible Answers:

nefarious

sagacious

iconoclastic

demure

cynical

Correct answer:

sagacious

Explanation:

The sentence ultimately concerns the subject's knowledge, and his peers reaction to it.  The correct answer will indicate his knowledge, or his perceived knowledge. "Sagacious," meaning wise or full of good advice, is the best choice.

Example Question #85 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

His preferred method of dumping girlfriends in a text message showed how _____________ he truly was.

Possible Answers:

noble

personable

rigorous

affable

callow

Correct answer:

callow

Explanation:

The subject's preferred method, "text message," is a sign of his indifference to his girlfriends and the correct answer will show this. "Callow," meaning immature and unfeeling, is the best choice.

Example Question #86 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The boys did a particularly ______________ job painting, leaving walls uneven and dripping paint everywhere.

Possible Answers:

nebulous

salacious

laudatory

condonable

execrable

Correct answer:

execrable

Explanation:

The second phrase of the sentence indicates that the painting job was not done well, and the correct answer will reflect this. "Execrable," meaning extremely bad, is the best fit among the answers.

Example Question #778 : Text Completion

He was notably _______________ in his habits, spending too much money and drinking too much alcohol.

Possible Answers:

cynical

altruistic

immoderate

ominous

temperate

Correct answer:

immoderate

Explanation:

The key phrase in the sentence is "too much," and it is used twice. The correct answer will mean excessive or extreme, which is the definition of "immoderate."

Example Question #87 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

Most religions ask for their followers to live a perfect life, but understand most people cannot achieve such a _____________ goal.

Possible Answers:

mundane

germane

lofty

haughty

trivial

Correct answer:

lofty

Explanation:

The key phrase in the sentence is "perfect life." As a goal, this would be a difficult and noble one, and the correct answer will reflect this. "Lofty," meaning high or noble, is the best choice.

Example Question #780 : Text Completion

The frosting on the windows made them ______________, and no light came into the room.

Possible Answers:

obscene

onerous

opaque

opulent

ominous

Correct answer:

opaque

Explanation:

The fact that "no light came into the room" indicate the frosting on the windows was too strong or thick. The correct answer will mean unable to let light through, the definition of "opaque."

Example Question #741 : One Blank Texts

The interview provided a surprisingly _____________ moment that revealed many unknown details.

Possible Answers:

callow

candid

trite

onerous

demure

Correct answer:

candid

Explanation:

The "unknown details" provide the best clue to the answer. The correct answer will there indicate that a revealing moment occurred. "Candid," meaning frank or honest, is the best choice.

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