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.
cogitate
transgress
bemoan
postulate
jeopardize
cogitate
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.
debilitated
recused
instigated
equivocated
deliberated
instigated
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.
evade
ratify
condone
purloin
elude
purloin
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.
marshal
usurp
dissipate
belie
evade
marshal
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.
confounded
assuaged
discerned
usurped
belied
usurped
"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.
discern
eviscerate
facilitate
confound
decimate
discern
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.
instigate
proscribe
propose
parry
absorb
parry
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.
circumscribed
nettled
appeased
collated
vacillated
vacillated
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.
hinder
lance
appease
epitomize
circumvent
appease
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.
bolster
circumnavigate
alleviate
burnish
circumscribe
circumscribe
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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