GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #571 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The __________ of the plan was in doubt due to its similarity to previously failed approaches.

Possible Answers:

scheme

serenity

irreducibility

technique

efficacy

Correct answer:

efficacy

Explanation:

The plan resembles "previously failed approaches," which makes people question the aspect described by the missing word. The correct answer needs to describe the plan's ability or function. "Efficacy," meaning effectiveness or usefulness, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #572 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The singer was accused of using a derogatory __________ to refer to her assistant.

Possible Answers:

panegyric

aberration

facade

epithet

coda

Correct answer:

epithet

Explanation:

There are two great clues to the best answer in the sentence: "derogatory" and "to refer to her assistant." The missing word describes a term that can refer to someone in a derogatory manner. "Epithet," meaning an appellation or a shothand byword, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #573 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The king had no real power, but remained an important __________ for the nation.

Possible Answers:

receptacle

figurehead

iconoclast

archetype

vortex

Correct answer:

figurehead

Explanation:

The sentence notes that the "king" is the missing word, despite having "no real power." This means the correct answer will indicate symbolic meaning in the king's position. "Figurehead," meaning a nominal leader or de jure leader with little authority, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #574 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The  rival gangs started a large __________ when the two groups left the dance at the same time.

Possible Answers:

fracas

fraternization

commingling

arbitration

negotiation

Correct answer:

fracas

Explanation:

The sentence discusses "rival gangs" leaving a dance "at the same time." This means the correct answer should indicate a confrontation or violence. "Fracas," meaning a disturbance or fight, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #575 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Despite discussing the matter for hours, the two men still had a great deal of __________ about the issue.

Possible Answers:

concordance

harmony

covenant

disinterest

dissonance

Correct answer:

dissonance

Explanation:

The missing word describes the two positions "despite" the fact the two men had discussed the matter "for hours." This means that they were not very close to agreeing, and the correct answer will indicate this fact. "Dissonance, meaning disagreement or a harsh dischord, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #576 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The otherwise plain room featured an attractive __________ underneath the mantelpiece.

Possible Answers:

embossing

baroque

dais

frieze

column

Correct answer:

frieze

Explanation:

The missing word describes a particular architecture detail, with a clue provided in the sentence. Since the object is "underneath the mantelpiece," the correct answer will fit this description. "Frieze," a decorative border of bas-relief art, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #577 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Although the author's argument was complicated, and he frequently used difficult language, most readers could get the __________ of the essay.

Possible Answers:

efficacy

obtuseness

dissonance

counterpoint

gist

Correct answer:

gist

Explanation:

The sentence says readers have the missing word even though "the argument was complicated and he frequently used difficult language." This means the correct answer needs to indicate readers can still appreciate or follow the essay. "Gist," meaning the main point or general essence, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #578 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The room had a notable __________ that mirrored its occupant's boring life.

Possible Answers:

optimistic

vibrancy

perky

gregariousness

drabness

Correct answer:

drabness

Explanation:

The sentence explictly notes that the room's decor "mirrored the occupant's boring life." This means the correct answer needs to be a synonym of "boring." "Drabness," meaning a dullness or muted tone, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #579 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The chef was a __________ and refused to add any inauthentic ingredients.

Possible Answers:

progressive

hack

fraud

daring

purist

Correct answer:

purist

Explanation:

The sentence explains that the chef "refused to allow any inauthentic ingredients." The correct answer needs to properly explain the chef's serious position on ingredients. "Purist," meaning someone who insists on precise and correct forms and processes, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #580 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Although the doctor seriously believed in the unusual formula, most of his colleagues thought he was a __________.

Possible Answers:

purist

vagrant

quack

dupe

quarry

Correct answer:

quack

Explanation:

The subject actually believes in "the unusual formula," but the sentence makes clear that this opinion is not shared by "most of his colleagues." This indicates there was something odd or strange about the subject of the sentence. "Quack," meaning a fake or a charlatan, is the best choice among the answers.

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