GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #621 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
He had unnecessary __________ about the extremely safe and routine procedure.
fulminations
drosses
pundits
qualms
wags
qualms
The sentence describes the procedure as "extremely safe and routine;" nonetheless, the subject of the sentence still has the missing word about it. "Qualms," meaning hesitations or fears, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #622 : Gre Verbal Reasoning
The general was always convinced of his actions and never revealed a __________ of doubt about his plans.
privation
lacuna
complacence
dearth
modicum
modicum
The sentence describes the general as "always convinced of his actions," meaning that the general rarely showed doubt. The correct answer needs to indicate this general avoidance of doubt. "Modicum," meaning a very small amount, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #311 : Nouns In One Blank Texts
The old lights caused a consistent __________ in the room that drowned out low noises.
drone
waffle
temperance
pith
prattle
drone
The missing word has "drowned out low noises." This indicates the missing word means a consistent and annoying sound, the very definition of "drone," which is the correct answer.
Example Question #311 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The teacher's lectures tended to __________ instead of delving into the grand ideas of history.
discretion
dynamics
esoterica
auspiciousness
dissonance
esoterica
Many words could fit in the sentence, but the best one needs to be found. The sentence contrasts the missing word with "the grand ideas of history." "Esoterica," meaning obscure details and trivia, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #312 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The use of __________ in a traditionally straightforward genre caused a shock to the music's listeners.
orthodoxy
syncopation
stability
discretion
pretension
syncopation
The sentence says the missing word "caused a shock" in something that is "straightforward." The correct answer will mean off center or unexpected. "Syncopation," meaning an intentionally off beat rhythm, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #313 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
While he considered his views as simply being traditional, many of his colleagues thought he was a __________.
conscript
chauvinist
paragon
drone
stickler
chauvinist
The sentence contrasts the subject's own take on his views as "traditional," with a slightly more negative take from his colleagues. That means the colleagues' view will be a harsh take on "traditional views." "Chauvinist," meaning a bigot or sexist, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #314 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
His obsession with proper grammar gained him a reputation as a __________ among his employees.
pundit
stickler
conscript
quack
coward
stickler
The subject's "obsession with proper grammar" is what gained him the reputation described by the missing word. The correct answer needs to reflect that he is obsessive. "Stickler," meaning someone who is strict about rules and details, is the best choice among the answer.
Example Question #315 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The magazine was so full of __________ that it turned off most of its potential readers.
temperance
clarity
quality
affability
pretension
pretension
The magazine "turned off most of its potential readers," indicating it was quite terrible or unseemly. The correct answer must have an appropriate negative connotation. "Pretension," meaning an attitude of superiority or arrogance, is the only answer choice with such a negative tone.
Example Question #316 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The __________ was not getting better, as it was on a piece of skin that continually rubbed against another piece of skin.
quarry
divestment
tumor
abrasion
abcess
abrasion
The key word in the sentence is "rubbed," and provides the best clue. If being "continually rubbed" means the missing word is "not getting better," then the correct answer must indicate a problem created by rubbing. "Abrasion," meaning skin damage caused by scraping or rubbing, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #317 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
After thoroughly embarassing himself with his antics, he had the __________ to try them one more time.
gall
aplomb
sedulity
gaunt
forbearance
gall
The subject attempted his antics one more time, although he had already been "thoroughly embarassing himself" with them. The correct answer will indicate the stupidity and confidence of repeating the actions. "Gall," meaning nerve or confidence, is the best choice among the answers.
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