GRE Verbal : Verbs in One-Blank Texts
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal
All GRE Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #41 : Verbs In One Blank Texts
She often overthought things, _________________ on decisions for months.
illuminating
postulating
calcifying
indemnifying
ruminating
ruminating
A few of the choices could fit the sentence, so the best fit must be found. The sentence says she "overthought . . . for months," and the best answer will reflect that deep thought. "Ruminating," meaning to ponder or reflect, is the best answer choice.
Example Question #42 : Verbs In One Blank Texts
Writing closed captioning for live events is difficult, as _______________ every word is nearly impossible.
excoriating
interpreting
pontificating
obfuscating
transcribing
transcribing
THe phrase "writing closed captioning" is the best clue to the answer. The best choice will indicate writing in some manner. "Transcribing," meaning to copy or take down, is the correct answer.
Example Question #43 : Verbs In One Blank Texts
The instructor used his last class to ______________ any nerves students had about their driving test.
condone
allay
efface
accost
waylay
allay
The instructor wants the students to do well on their test. With this in mind, the correct answer will indicate some sense of help with their nerves. "Allay," meaning to lessen, is the best choice.
Example Question #474 : Text Completion
His lack of self-confidence tended to ____________ his poor athletic gifts.
portend
efface
explode
petrify
exacerbate
exacerbate
The "poor athletic gifts" would be harmed by a "lack of self-confidence." The correct answer will indicate the poor effect. "Exacerbate," meaning to make worse, is the best choice.
Example Question #44 : Verbs In One Blank Texts
The boy was a natural rebel, seeking to ______________ any rules or boundaries given to him.
condone
perpetuate
congeal
embrace
transgress
transgress
The boy being a "natural rebel" provides the best clue to the answer. A rebel violates rules, and the correct answer will show that. "Transgress," meaning to violate or disobey, is the best answer.
Example Question #481 : Text Completion
The new non-profit will seek to ______________ famine in war torn areas by directly providing food to refugees.
edify
begrudge
degrade
exacerbate
alleviate
alleviate
"Providing food" means the non-profit will try to eliminate the famine, or at least minimize it, and the correct answer will reflect that. "Alleviate," meaning to make less severe or improve slightly, is the best choice.
Example Question #482 : Text Completion
The leader immediately ______________ the actions of his supporters, claiming they did not represent the whole group.
waylaid
confounded
denounced
embraced
condoned
denounced
The final phrase, where the leader distances himself from his supporters' actions, is the best clue in the sentence. The correct answer will mean to condemn or speak against, the definition of "denounced."
Example Question #483 : Text Completion
The young boy was extremely lazy, and had to be ______________ just to get off the couch.
degraded
negated
buttressed
deterred
cajoled
cajoled
Being on the couch is an indication of the boy's laziness, so the correct answer will reflect that the boy had a hard time getting off the couch. "Cajoled," meaning coaxed or convinced, is the best answer choice.
Example Question #484 : Text Completion
His medical troubles were so costly, his savings account was ____________ in a matter of weeks.
waylaid
bolstered
perused
depleted
elucidated
depleted
The "medical troubles" are outright noted as "costly," which means a savings account would be used "in a matter of weeks." "Depleted," meaning to use up or get rid of, is the correct answer.
Example Question #485 : Text Completion
The accused man hoped his TV interview would _________________ his side of the story.
confound
illuminate
obviate
obscure
congeal
illuminate
The "accused man" is agreeing to an interview, and presumably wants to give information. The correct answer will indicate telling a story or explaining. "Illuminate,"meaning to make clear—literally to put light on something—is the correct answer.
All GRE Verbal Resources
