GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #1421 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The art student frequently saw his own work in a __________ vein, breaking the previously established patterns set forth by his instructor.
mundane
trivial
progressive
jejune
pathetic
progressive
The art student perceives himself to be an innovator, pushing against the boundaries of his instructor’s advice. Only one of the answer choices, “progressive,” indicates a desire to go further than his instructor desires.
Example Question #1422 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Flanders was often seen as __________ by his colleagues because of his habit of offering to help with any task his employer undertook.
counterproductive
stringent
careful
sycophantic
welcoming
sycophantic
The first sentence indicates Flanders’ colleagues are annoyed by him. “Welcoming” and “careful” both have too many positive connotations to be the correct answer. Flanders’ offers of help could be "productive," but are certainly an attempt to flatter his boss, which is the definition of “sycophantic.”
Example Question #1111 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Robert Burns is considered the __________ Scottish poet, as his work is famous throughout Scotland and is seen to embody Scottish culture.
dispensible
irrelevant
quintessential
unimpressive
mediocre
quintessential
The second half of the sentence indicates that Robert Burns is held in high regard, so "quintissential" is the best answer choice.
Example Question #1112 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Fred frequently looked back __________ on his time in the military, viewing it as the “glory days” that he could never recover.
despairingly
thoughtfully
cynically
wistfully
angrily
wistfully
Fred’s view of his past “glory days” indicates the positive feelings towards the military Fred holds, ruling out "angrily" and "despairingly." "Thoughtfully" does not work because of the simple manner in which Fred regards his military experience.
Example Question #1113 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
His demeanor was often considered ___________ due to his aloof manner and biting comments.
exemplary
haughty
gentlemanly
conspicuous
jolly
haughty
Both “aloof manner” and “biting comments” tell us that the word we are looking for needs to indicate something poor about the subject’s personality. Only one word, “haughty,” carries such a meaning.
Example Question #1114 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Her fashion sense was considered quite __________, as it gave the impression she had not updated her wardrobe in years.
exceptional
avant-garde
antiquated
pedestrian
trendy
antiquated
The inability of the woman to update her wardrobe indicates she is old-fashioned. This is the exact meaning of “antiquated,” making it the best fit for this sentence.
Example Question #1115 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The __________ texture of the airline pillow irritated Angela’s face and made her long flight all the more vexatious.
monotonous
dexterous
lustrous
abrasive
significant
abrasive
You are looking for an adjective that would describe how a pillow might irritate someone’s face and make their flight "vexatious," or unpleasant. "Abrasive" means rough, coarse, or harsh, so is the only answer choice that fits the context of the sentence.
Example Question #1116 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Thomas’ bookshelves were __________ with works of literature, especially his many beloved detective novels.
noxious
destitute
vacuous
formidable
replete
replete
You are looking for an adjective that would describe Thomas’ “many” books on a bookshelf. Since "replete" means full, it is the only answer choice that fits the context of the sentence.
Example Question #1117 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Do not take for granted the time you have, asserts the playwright; life is more __________ than you think.
nugatory
ephemeral
epistolary
resplendent
poignant
ephemeral
The playwright suggests that you should appreciate the time you have because life is fleeting. "Ephemeral" best completes the sentence because it means short-lived.
Example Question #1423 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
A workshop full of stately, handcrafted furniture was a testament to how __________ Wilson was at woodworking.
timorous
erudite
adroit
brawny
inept
adroit
The sentence is describing how Wilson has made many pieces of “stately, handcrafted furniture.” You can infer that he is therefore "skilled" at woodworking, which is exactly what "adroit" means and why that is the best answer choice.
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