GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #611 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Her __________ to social situations made her rarely go out to parties or other occasions.

Possible Answers:

affability

homogeneity

curiosity

aversion

vitality

Correct answer:

aversion

Explanation:

The sentence describes the subject as someone who will "rarely go out." This indicates she probably does not enjoy "social situations." "Aversion," meaning dislike or hatred, is the correct answer choice.

Example Question #612 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The problem grew worse because of the __________ of previously disparate issues.

Possible Answers:

aversion

concatenation

combustion

stratagem

indifference

Correct answer:

concatenation

Explanation:

The structure of the sentence indicates the "previously disparate issues" are no longer so separate. The correct answer needs to show a joining or bringing together. "Concatenation," literally meaning linking of pieces in a chain, is the best choice.

Example Question #613 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Her remarkable _________ vanished as illness made her quite reserved in her old age.

Possible Answers:

indifference

phenomenology

stolidity

seemliness

vivacity

Correct answer:

vivacity

Explanation:

The sentence notes the missing word "vanished" and the subject became "quite reserved." This means the correct answer will indicate a sense of action or energy. "Vivacity," meaning liveliness or animation, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #614 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

New evidence contradicted his sworn statement, and proved he committed __________.

Possible Answers:

larceny

insurgency

perjury

duplicity

indigence

Correct answer:

perjury

Explanation:

The contradiction of a "sworn statement," indicates the subject was not just lying, but doing so in a legally proscribed manner, and the correct answer must reflect all of these facts. "Perjery," meaning lying under oath, is the best fit among the answers.

Example Question #615 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The old man had a number of __________ that made him quite peculiar.

Possible Answers:

quirks

quarries

stratagems

gimmicks

pleasantries

Correct answer:

quirks

Explanation:

The missing word, which the "old man had a number of," contributes to the subject being "quite peculiar." The correct answer not only needs to indicate something he does, but that it is strange. "Quirks," meaning oddities or unique behaviors, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #616 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Her current __________ was more complicated but not more clever than her previous tricks.

Possible Answers:

stratagem

waffling

prattle

compromise

balk

Correct answer:

stratagem

Explanation:

The sentence compares the missing word to "previous tricks," and notes the word as being "complicated;" therefore, the correct answer should essentially mean a complicated trick. "Stratagem," meaning a plot or ploy, is the best choice.

Example Question #617 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Many politicians cannot resist the __________ of running for a higher office and holding more power.

Possible Answers:

intermittence

revulsion

imposition

malevolence

allure

Correct answer:

allure

Explanation:

The sentence notes politicans "cannot resist" the chance to run "for a higher office." This strong pull must be reflected in the correct answer. "Allure," meaning attraction or appeal, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #618 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Medieval armies were built largely on the back of unwilling __________, most of whom were only barely paid.

Possible Answers:

mercenaries

saboteurs

conscripts

galleons

emollients

Correct answer:

conscripts

Explanation:

The sentence describes the missing word with the adjective "unwilling," while also noting they made up "medieval armies." The correct answer must reflect both of these points. "Conscripts," meaning persons enlisted compulsorily into armed service, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #619 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

After months of one-sided fighting, the government regained __________ over formerly rebel held territory.

Possible Answers:

indifference

hegemony

derision

atrophy

dormancy

Correct answer:

hegemony

Explanation:

The sentence describes the missing word developing "after months of one sided fighting." This means the government was dominating the "formerly held rebel territory." "Hegemony," meaning complete authority and domination, is the correct answer choice.

Example Question #620 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

His extreme __________ made him lose once close allies with every deceitful action.

Possible Answers:

improbity

irreproachability

intransigence

propensity

integrity

Correct answer:

improbity

Explanation:

The sentence explicitly refers to the subject's "every deceitful action." The missing word has to match up with this deceit. "Improbity," meaning a lack of integrity and honesty, is the best choice among the answers.

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