GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #1111 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

For the awkward boys, the popular girls remained an __________ presence beyond their comprehension.

Possible Answers:

ominous

omnipotent

illuminating

inscrutable

olfactory

Correct answer:

inscrutable

Explanation:

The sentence outright states the "popular girls" were "beyond their comprehension" for the boys. The correct answer must further this incomprehensibility. "Inscrutable," meaning mysterious and impenetrable, is the best fit among the choices.

Example Question #1112 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

No flaw went unnoticed thanks to the director's __________ nature.

Possible Answers:

punctilious

dogmatic

irreproachable

fractious

erratic

Correct answer:

punctilious

Explanation:

The director notices every flaw, a habit described by the missing word. The correct answer must mean paying attention to small details, the definition of "punctilious."

Example Question #1113 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

His __________ claims about the incident were easily refuted by other people who were there.

Possible Answers:

benign

esoteric

verbose

spurious

restorative

Correct answer:

spurious

Explanation:

The subject's claims were "easily refuted," which indicates the claims are incorrect in some way. The correct answer must mean dubious or false, the definition of "spurious."

Example Question #1114 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The dog appeared ferocious at first, but quickly proved to be quite __________.

Possible Answers:

histrionic

belligerent

bellicose

docile

remorseful

Correct answer:

docile

Explanation:

The sentence explicitly contrasts the missing word with "ferocious;" therefore, the correct answer will be an antonym of "ferocious." "Docile," meaning gentle or easily controlled, is the best answer choice.

Example Question #1115 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Although he practiced medicine for a decade, he was instantly fired when the hospital discovered his license was __________.

Possible Answers:

insentient

authentic

fraudulent

excessive

jeopardized

Correct answer:

fraudulent

Explanation:

The subject was "instantly fired," so the problems with his license were quite serious. The correct answer needs to indicate the appropriate level of seriousness. "Fraudulent," meaning fake and deceptively false, is the best choice.

Example Question #1116 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Before the mission, he was __________ and went through every scenario in his head.

Possible Answers:

voluble

flippant

reckless

ambivalent

pensive

Correct answer:

pensive

Explanation:

Looking at "every scenario in his head" means he was analyzing the mission in great detail. The correct answer should mean deep reflection or thinking intensely, the definition of "pensive."

Example Question #1117 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Cut off from the main river, the water in small estuary became __________.

Possible Answers:

officious

potable

effusive

dynamic

stagnant

Correct answer:

stagnant

Explanation:

The estuary is "cut off from the main river," meaning it does not receive a regular flow of water. The correct answer must reflect this change in the water. "Stagnant," meaning still and unmoving, is the best choice.

Example Question #1118 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

He was an __________ judge of investments, and made millions in the stock market.

Possible Answers:

exuberant

inept

indifferent

irksome

astute

Correct answer:

astute

Explanation:

Having "made millions in the stock market" means he judged investments quite well, and the correct answer must reflect this. "Astute," meaning perceptive and sharp, is the best choice.

Example Question #1119 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

He was __________ in his opinions, and would never listen to any arguments against his beliefs.

Possible Answers:

equivocal

reticent

dogmatic

gullible

poised

Correct answer:

dogmatic

Explanation:

The sentence notes the subject would "never listen to any arguments." This means he was extremely attached to his opinions, and the correct answer must reflect this. "Dogmatic," meaning rigid and inflexible in beliefs, is the best fit among the answers.

Example Question #1120 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

His concern for __________ details made him overlook serious problems in the entire plan.

Possible Answers:

frivolous

ominous

torpid

staid

robust

Correct answer:

frivolous

Explanation:

The subject of the sentence is ignoring "serious problems" by looking at details described by the missing word. The correct answer needs to be an antonym of "serious." "Frivolous," meaning unnecessary or light, is the best fit among the answers.

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