GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #441 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

After the main battle, two retreating columns quickly collided in a __________, but with few consequences.

Possible Answers:

recapitulation

subversion

nonentity

skirmish

juxtaposition

Correct answer:

skirmish

Explanation:

The "two retreating columns" collided "after the main battle." This means their encounter was not a serious one, which is why it had "few consequences." "Skirmish," meaning a minor battle or clash, is the correct answer.

Example Question #442 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Many communities were planned as __________, but reality revealed their imperfect nature.

Possible Answers:

paramours

tomes

metaphors

parishes

utopias

Correct answer:

utopias

Explanation:

If reality shows the "imperfect nature" of the communities, then it can be inferred they were planned with different intentions. The correct answer should mean perfect societies or ideal worlds, the definition of "utopias."

Example Question #443 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

His __________ was an effort to say a great deal without revealing any information.

Possible Answers:

circumlocution

inanity

discernment

skepticism

recapitulation

Correct answer:

circumlocution

Explanation:

The sentence reveals two key facts: the subject says "a great deal," while also saying little actual information. The correct answer needs to hold the two conflicting notions together. "Circumlocution," meaning using too many words to avoid a subject, is the best choice.

Example Question #444 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The __________ of the legislation was blamed on no parties wishing to move it along.

Possible Answers:

surreptitiousness

inertia

profundity

progress

ignominy

Correct answer:

inertia

Explanation:

The legislation has no one "to move it along," indicating it is stuck in the same place. The correct answer needs to mean inactivity or a lack of motion; "inertia" relates to motion, and can indicate either a lack of progress.

Example Question #445 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Most members of the team thought he volunteered for the unpleasant jobs because he was a __________.

Possible Answers:

martinet

masochist

hypochondriac

peccadillo

cliché

Correct answer:

masochist

Explanation:

The subject is volunteering for "unpleasant jobs" that no one else presumably wants to do. The correct answer must indicate a reason he volunteers for these tasks. "Masochist," meaning someone who enjoys inflicting pain on him- or herself, is the correct answer.

Example Question #446 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The boy had a reputation as a __________, because he was always the last kid in his class to do anything.

Possible Answers:

sluggard

libertarian

hypocrite

chronicler

nonentity

Correct answer:

sluggard

Explanation:

Being "the last kid in his class to do anything," means the boy is either extremely slow or extremely lazy. The correct answer must indicate this aspect of the boy's personality. "Sluggard," meaning a slow moving person, is the best choice.

Example Question #447 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The level of __________ between the siblings meant they could not visit their parents at the same time.

Possible Answers:

felicity

amity

discord

profundity

poignance

Correct answer:

discord

Explanation:

The siblings can not see "their parents at the same time." This means the correct answer needs to mean disagreement or enmity, the definition of "discord."

Example Question #448 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Threading a needle the way she did took a level of __________ most people do not have.

Possible Answers:

boorishness

ambivalence

ineffability

parody

finesse

Correct answer:

finesse

Explanation:

"Threading a needle" in a way other people could not means the subject is particularly talented. The correct answer must corectly reflect her talent. "Finesse," meaning fine skill or subtle movement, is the best choice.

Example Question #449 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The law's __________ began an intense lobbying campaign to get the bill passed.

Possible Answers:

proponents

eulogies

ascetics

skeptics

adversaries

Correct answer:

proponents

Explanation:

The missing word describes people who are attempting "to get the bill passed." The correct answer will indicate people arguing for the law. "Proponents," meaning supporters or advocates, is the best choice.

Example Question #450 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The __________ of screaming children makes teaching preschoolers difficult for most people.

Possible Answers:

triviality

elucidation

notoriety

euphony

discordancy

Correct answer:

discordancy

Explanation:

"Screaming children" create a great deal of noise which makes them difficult to deal with. The correct answer will indicate both the noise and harshness of the screaming. "Discordancy," meaning cacophony or harsh noise, is the best choice.

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