GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #751 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

It was revealed he had ______________ millions of dollars from his employer before the police caught him.

Possible Answers:

espoused

embezzled

tottered

defrocked

beleaguered

Correct answer:

embezzled

Explanation:

The involvement of police and "millions of dollars" means the man committed some kind of financial crime, and the correct answer will be a term for a financial crime. "Embezzled, meaning to defraud or steal, is the best choice.

Example Question #752 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The victorious nation sought ______________ for the war damage inflicted by its opponents.

Possible Answers:

emergence

guile

redress

recluse

pillage

Correct answer:

redress

Explanation:

The issue occurs over "war damage," and "the victorious nation" is presumably seeking help for that damage. The correct answer will mean repayment or putting right a wrong, the definition of "redress."

Example Question #753 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The argument over their parents' care _______________ the siblings in conflicts they thought were long set aside.

Possible Answers:

pontificated

elucidated

embroiled

emaciated

recused

Correct answer:

embroiled

Explanation:

The siblings' "argument over their parents' care" in turn stirred up further conflicts. The correct answer needs to describe the escalation of their conflicts. "Embroiled," meaning to involve in an argument or hostility, is the best fit among the answers.

Example Question #754 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

They are shy animals, and only __________ from hiding when they believe nothing is around.

Possible Answers:

elude

excise

obscure

emerge

abscond

Correct answer:

emerge

Explanation:

The sentence explicitly describes the animals as "shy" and "hiding." They are presumably waiting until "nothing is around" to appear or come out, the definition of "emerge."

Example Question #755 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

His prominent nose came from his father's family, and was said to be _____________ through generations.

Possible Answers:

jeopardized

bequeathed

brevetted

corrugated

alleviated

Correct answer:

bequeathed

Explanation:

The passing "through generations" is the best clue to the answer in the sentence. "Bequeathed," meaning to pass something on in a will, used here metaphorically, is the correct answer.

Example Question #756 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The company attempted to improve its sales by ________________ the successful strategies of its larger competitor.

Possible Answers:

pontificating

beguiling

emulating

obviating

eviscerating

Correct answer:

emulating

Explanation:

The "successful strategies" have improved sales at the "larger competitor," and the smaller company wants to also improve its sales. The correct answer will mean to copy or imitate, the definition of "emulating."

Example Question #757 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The student's research was sloppy, and all his points were easily ________________ by his professor.

Possible Answers:

buttressed

recapitulated

refuted

waxed

goaded

Correct answer:

refuted

Explanation:

The research is called "sloppy," so the professor would try to challenge the research. "Easily" indicates he has dismissed the student's research. "Refuted," meaning to disprove, is the correct answer choice.

Example Question #758 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The coach was known for his intensity, ____________ his players for the smallest mistake.

Possible Answers:

condoning

allaying

berating

goading

placating

Correct answer:

berating

Explanation:

The coach has a reputation for "intensity," and his reaction to mistakes must reflect this. The correct answer will show the coach getting in his players' faces. "Berating," meaning scolding and criticizing, is the best fit.

Example Question #759 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The school board ______________ the controversial measure despite the disapproval of many teachers.

Possible Answers:

refuted

razed

condemned

endorsed

recanted

Correct answer:

endorsed

Explanation:

The school board's actions, described by the missing word, occur "despite the disapproval of many teachers." The correct answer needs to mean give support or approval, the definition of "endorsed."

Example Question #472 : One Blank Texts

He loved to _________________ his grandchildren with wild stories of his childhood on the frontier.

Possible Answers:

recuperate

berate

deliberate

bemoan

regale

Correct answer:

regale

Explanation:

The grandfather tells his grandchildren "wild stories." The correct answer needs to demonstrate the purpose of those tales. "Regale," meaning to entertain and amuse, is the best choice.

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