GRE Verbal : Adjectives and Adverbs in One-Blank Texts

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #181 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

His concern for __________ details made him overlook serious problems in the entire plan.

Possible Answers:

torpid

robust

frivolous

ominous

staid

Correct answer:

frivolous

Explanation:

The subject of the sentence is ignoring "serious problems" by looking at details described by the missing word. The correct answer needs to be an antonym of "serious." "Frivolous," meaning unnecessary or light, is the best fit among the answers.

Example Question #182 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The play was an __________ blend of nostalgic nonsense and jingoistic hero worship.

Possible Answers:

resplendent

insipid

ebullient

inspiring

irreproachable

Correct answer:

insipid

Explanation:

The play is described as "nostalgic nonsense and jingoistic hero worship," both of which are highly negative descriptions. The correct answer must fit with the harsh tone of the sentence. "Insipid," meaning bland and unexciting, is the best choice.

Example Question #183 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Texts

The knight was accused of being __________ after fleeing the battle at the first sign of trouble.

Possible Answers:

fortitudinous

pusillanimous

corpulent

irreproachable

poised

Correct answer:

pusillanimous

Explanation:

The knight leaves fighting "at the first sign of trouble." This indicates he wishes to avoid fighting and combat, and the correct answer needs to reflect this. "Pusillanimous," meaning cowardly and timid, is the best choice.

Example Question #871 : Text Completion

The old captain was a __________ presence who never showed any signs of having fun.

Possible Answers:

excitable

verbose

ebullient

zany

staid

Correct answer:

staid

Explanation:

The sentence notes the "old captain" rarely exhibited "signs of having fun." The correct answer must therefore mean extremely serious and sober, the definition of "staid."

Example Question #1122 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

In its current dilapidated state, the ruins remained a __________ presence of the city's former glory.

Possible Answers:

beleaguered

germinal

transgressive

histrionic

vestigial

Correct answer:

vestigial

Explanation:

The ruins are a sign of "the city's former glory," which is now long past. The correct answer will indicate that the ruins are a relic and reminder of that past. "Vestigial," meaning a useless or shrunken element that remains, is the best choice.

Example Question #1123 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Her __________ notions on marriage meant she was mocked by her more progressive friends.

Possible Answers:

idiosyncratic

contemporary

prudent

antiquated

transgressive

Correct answer:

antiquated

Explanation:

The sentence contrasts the subject's "notions on marriage" with the "progressive" notions of her friends. The correct answer must stand opposed to "progressive." "Antiquated," meaning old fashioned or outdated, is the best fit.

Example Question #1124 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The first warning interns received was to avoid upsetting the boss, as he was known for a(n) __________ temperament.

Possible Answers:

languid

choleric

sanguine

ebullient

placid

Correct answer:

choleric

Explanation:

The boss must be treated carefully, because of his "temperament," described by the missing word. The correct answer must mean easily upset or angered, the definition of "choleric."

Example Question #1125 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The obtuse boy's mind proved much more __________ when asked to describe fantastical stories.

Possible Answers:

egalitarian

inimical

fecund

discerning

vacuous

Correct answer:

fecund

Explanation:

The "obtuse," or slow and dimwitted, boy had a different capability when discussing "fantastical stories." The correct answer needs to mean the opposite of "obtuse." "Fecund," meaning fertile and productive, is the best choice.

Example Question #1126 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

The teenager's eulogy for his grandfather was exceptionally __________, moving many people to tears.

Possible Answers:

inane

mundane

petulant

vacuous

profound

Correct answer:

profound

Explanation:

The eulogy moved "many people to tears," making it a touching moment. The correct answer should mean deeply moving and with a great deal of meaning, the definition of "profound."

Example Question #1127 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

Her __________ younger brother would follow behind her and do anything she asked.

Possible Answers:

maverick

petulant

transgressive

zealous

servile

Correct answer:

servile

Explanation:

The brother would "do anything she asked." This means he was obedient to his sister, and the correct answer will reflect this. "Servile," meaning overly submissive or groveling, is the correct answer.

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