GRE Verbal : GRE Verbal Reasoning

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #971 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The crowd became _____________ when it was announced the headline band would not appear.

Possible Answers:

gracious

acquiescent

subservient

mundane

raucous

Correct answer:

raucous

Explanation:

The crowd would be upset when the cancellation was announced, and would show it. The correct answer will indicate both the crowd's displeasure and how they are showing it. "Raucous," meaning upset and noisy, is the best choice.

Example Question #972 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The scout tried to remain professional, but he could not help being _____________ about the prospect's once in a generation abilities.

Possible Answers:

effusive

irascible

rancourous

subtle

underwhelming

Correct answer:

effusive

Explanation:

The prospect's "once in a generation abilities" indicate the scout would be quite excited, and the fact he could not "remain professional" means he was demonstrating that excitement. "Effusive," meaning gushing and demonstrative, is the correct answer.

Example Question #973 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Despite widespread public support and politicians' desire to speed up the bill's passage, the legislation's progress was ___________.

Possible Answers:

pertinent

glacial

portentuous

voluble

mundane

Correct answer:

glacial

Explanation:

The sentence contrasts the "politicians' desire to speed up" with the correct answer choice. therefore, the correct word will mean extremely slow, which is the definition of glacial.

Example Question #974 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

His hatred of horses was _______________, and had a basis in nothing.

Possible Answers:

deferential

irrational

responsible

munificent

succinct

Correct answer:

irrational

Explanation:

The key to finding this answer is the phrase "a basis in nothing."  The correct answer will demonstrate the subject's lack of reasons for his hatred. "Irrational," meaning unreasonable or without logic, is the best choice.

Example Question #975 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Although a convenient passageway for ships at high tide, the river was barely ___________ at low tide.

Possible Answers:

navigable

affable

voluble

personable

combustible

Correct answer:

navigable

Explanation:

The sentence contrasts the river at high tide and low tide, and says the river was "a convenient passageway . . . at high tide." The correct answer, modified by "barely," will mean passable or suitable to get through, the definition of "navigable."

Example Question #976 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

His constantly surly demeanor made many wonder if it was a ______________ condition.

Possible Answers:

transient

temporary

congenital

succinct

gratuitous

Correct answer:

congenital

Explanation:

The word "constantly" is the best clue in the sentence to find the answer.  The correct word will indicate the ever present nature of his "surly demeanor." "Congenital," meaning present since birth, is the correct answer.

Example Question #977 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The evangelist decided to avoid the scandals of his predecessors, making sure to live life ___________.

Possible Answers:

lasciviously

officiously

egregiously

negligently

irreproachably

Correct answer:

irreproachably

Explanation:

The evangelist is actively trying to avoid scandals, so he needs to live his life in a way that does that. The correct answer will indicate he is trying to live perfectly or without criticism, which is the definition of "irreproachably."

Example Question #978 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The prosecutor was accused of covering up ______________ evidence that would exonerate the defendants he tried.

Possible Answers:

defunct

pertinent

irksome

trivial

irrational

Correct answer:

pertinent

Explanation:

The fact the prosecutor is charged with a cover up and that the evidence would exonerate defendants indicates the seriousness of the evidence. The correct answer will demonstrate that seriousness. "Pertinent," meaning relevant, is the best fit in the sentence.

Example Question #979 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

After being a victim of identity theft, the woman was ________________ of giving out her credit card information.

Possible Answers:

subversive

wary

effusive

negigent

irksome

Correct answer:

wary

Explanation:

The "identity theft" changed the woman's attacks outlook on using her credit card, and the correct answer will reflect her reaction to the identity theft. "Wary," meaning hesitant or cautious, is the best fit among the answer choices.

Example Question #980 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The foul was so _________________, she was thrown out of the game.

Possible Answers:

affable

reclusive

inconsequential

effusive

egregious

Correct answer:

egregious

Explanation:

Being thrown out of a game is a very serious penalty, and the correct answer will indicate the seriousness of the foul to warrant such a punishment. "Egregious," meaning extremely or obviously bad, is the correct answer.

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