GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #701 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Although he believed he was the perfect candidate, he never ____________ the man who received the promotion instead.

Possible Answers:

adored

complimented

begrudged

lavished

beknighted

Correct answer:

begrudged

Explanation:

The sentence contrasts the candidate's belief in his perfection with the way he approached the promoted man. The correct answer will show there was never any ill will from the candidate. "Begrudged," meaning to resent, is the best fit in the sentence.

Example Question #702 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The company's board slowly _____________ around the plan of buying out their competitor.

Possible Answers:

congealed

dismembered

equivocated

muddled

splintered

Correct answer:

congealed

Explanation:

The board eventually agreed, as the sentence indicates the board decided on the plan to sell. The correct answer will describe the board coming together "around the plan." "Congealed," meaning to solidify, is the best fit among the answer choices.

Example Question #703 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The entire city block had to be ____________ to make room for the new arena.

Possible Answers:

ratified

razed

envisaged

coalesced

enlivened

Correct answer:

razed

Explanation:

The city block is in the way of the new arena, which is why it has "to make room for the new arena." The correct answer will indicate the block was destroyed for the arena. "Razed," meaning completely destroyed or flattened, is the best choice.

Example Question #704 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Over time, his interest in politics _____________ and eventually he hardly followed it at all.

Possible Answers:

waned

goaded

obviated

enlarged

belabored

Correct answer:

waned

Explanation:

The fact his interest became something "he hardly followed" means the correct answer will show a drop off in interest. "Waned," meaning to fall off or lessen, is the best fit in the sentence.

Example Question #705 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The boy was _____________ by the older girl's stories of college, and desperately wanted to attend her school.

Possible Answers:

tried

besmirched

scarred

jaded

beguiled

Correct answer:

beguiled

Explanation:

The boy's desire to attend the girl's college means he was clearly impressed with her stories. The correct answer will indicate his appreciation for her stories. "Beguiled," which means charmed,or even lured, is the correct answer.

Example Question #705 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The young man's reckless behavior was often the result of being ______________ into action by his friends.

Possible Answers:

belied

waxed

waned

goaded

waived

Correct answer:

goaded

Explanation:

The young man's friends were effectively causing his behavior and the correct answer will indicate their encouragement. "Goaded," meaning prodded or urged, is the best fit in the sentence.

Example Question #706 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

His argument was well-received at first, but he _____________ it until the audience wanted him to end.

Possible Answers:

belabored

subverted

beknighted

enlivened

enhanced

Correct answer:

belabored

Explanation:

The final clause of the sentence, "the audience wanted him to end," indicates the speaker went too long. The correct answer will fully bring this meaning to the sentence. "Belabored," meaning to explain an argument in too much detail, is the best choice among the answers.

Example Question #707 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The professor's sharp voice ________________ on her, and she was unsure if she could remain in the class.

Possible Answers:

soothed

waxed

piqued

grated

jaded

Correct answer:

grated

Explanation:

The "professor's sharp voice," and the subject's desire to leave the class mean the voice bothered her, and the best choice will show this. "Grated," meaning to aggravate or annoy, is the correct answer.

Example Question #708 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The girl's love of dogs ______________ until her parents had no choice but to buy her a puppy.

Possible Answers:

jaded

waxed

goaded

waived

strutted

Correct answer:

waxed

Explanation:

The parents' feeling that they had to buy a puppy indicates the "girl's love of dogs" was strong. The correct answer will indicate the growth or strength of that love. "Waxed," meaning to grow or increase, is the best choice.

Example Question #709 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The self-centered girl did not understand that being _____________ by potential boyfriends was a problem many of her peers envied.

Possible Answers:

negated

petrified

beleaguered

belied

begrudged

Correct answer:

beleaguered

Explanation:

The fact the girl's "problem" is desired by others means she was receiving attention from "potential boyfriends." The correct answer will infer this and keep the sarcastic tone of the sentence. "Beleaguered," meaning annoyed or badgered, is the best answer choice.

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