GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #771 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

She was rarely impulsive, and always had to __________ a great deal over decisions.

Possible Answers:

cogitate

transgress

bemoan

postulate

jeopardize

Correct answer:

cogitate

Explanation:

A few answer choices could work in the sentence, but once will work best. If "she was rarely impulsive," then she made her decisions carefully. "Cogitate," meaning to ponder and think over deeply, is the best answer choice.

Example Question #772 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Each side claimed the other __________ the conflict, asserting that their fighting was in self-defense.

Possible Answers:

debilitated

recused

instigated

equivocated

deliberated

Correct answer:

instigated

Explanation:

The sides both claim "self-defense," which indicates that they blame the other side for starting the conflict. The correct answer should mean to start or provoke, the definition of "instigate."

Example Question #773 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The gang was able to __________ the jewels through befriending and tricking the guard.

Possible Answers:

evade

ratify

condone

purloin

elude

Correct answer:

purloin

Explanation:

The "gang" did something with the jewels by "tricking the guard." This means they got past the guard, presumably to commit a crime. "Purloin," meaning to acquire in a suspicious or illegal manner, is the correct answer.

Example Question #774 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Arriving full of idealism, the freshman Senator found it surprisingly difficult to __________ support for his favorite issues.

Possible Answers:

marshal

usurp

dissipate

belie

evade

Correct answer:

marshal

Explanation:

The Senator finds some aspect of dealing with "his favorite issues" difficult, despite being "full of idealism." This indicates that he cannot convince others on the issues. "Marshal," meaning to gather together, is the correct answer.

Example Question #775 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The pretender to the throne __________ the crown by defeating his predecessor in battle.

Possible Answers:

confounded

assuaged

discerned

usurped

belied

Correct answer:

usurped

Explanation:

"The pretender" defeated the former king in battle. The correct answer will indicate that the pretender took possesion of the crown. "Usurp," meaning to take away someone's position, is the best fit.

Example Question #776 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Without his glasses, he was unable to __________ any shapes walking at him.

Possible Answers:

discern

eviscerate

facilitate

confound

decimate

Correct answer:

discern

Explanation:

The sentence notes the man has trouble performing the missing word "without his glasses." This means the correct answer will be something difficult with poor vision. "Discern," meaning to distinguish or understand, is the best choice.

Example Question #777 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Although a target for criticism, she had a special ability to __________ any accusations and come out unscathed.

Possible Answers:

instigate

proscribe

propose

parry

absorb

Correct answer:

parry

Explanation:

The subject will "come out unscathed," so she is not harmed by the accusations. The correct answer will indicate the criticism is being turned off by the subject. "Parry," meaning to deflect or fend off, is the best choice.

Example Question #778 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

For weeks, the board __________ between the two candidates for CEO.

Possible Answers:

circumscribed

nettled

appeased

collated

vacillated

Correct answer:

vacillated

Explanation:

The board had "two candidates for CEO" it was dealing with "for weeks." This means the board was taking time to make a decision. "Vacillated," meaning wavering or hesitating, is the correct answer.

Example Question #779 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The negotiator thought he could __________ both sides by giving in to certain demands.

Possible Answers:

hinder

lance

appease

epitomize

circumvent

Correct answer:

appease

Explanation:

A negotiator's job is to settle disagreements. If he is "giving in to certain demands," then he is trying to help both sides. "Appease," meaning to pacify or calm, is the correct answer.

Example Question #780 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The attempts to __________ the protests backfired, resulting in the largest gathering yet.

Possible Answers:

bolster

circumnavigate

alleviate

burnish

circumscribe

Correct answer:

circumscribe

Explanation:

The missing word did not work but "backfired," causing "the largest gathering yet." This means the correct answer needs to indicate a suppresion of the protests. "Circumscribe," meaning to limit or prohibit, is the best choice.

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