Vocabulary Meaning in Context (Text Completion) - Verbal Reasoning
- What does "notwithstanding" most strongly signal in Text Completion?
- Concession: something holds true despite a counterpoint. This term introduces an exception or persistence of a fact despite opposing circumstances in the context.
- What does the suffix "-phobic" mean in GRE vocabulary inference?
- Fearing or strongly averse to. Rooted in Greek for fear, it implies aversion or hatred, as seen in terms like 'claustrophobic'.
- What is the most effective way to avoid trap answers in Text Completion?
- Match meaning to context; do not select by positive/negative tone alone. Precise contextual matching ensures the word fits the sentence's logic, avoiding superficial tone-based traps.
- What does the suffix "-philic" mean in GRE vocabulary inference?
- Loving or having an affinity for. Derived from Greek roots, it denotes attraction or preference, aiding inference in compound words like 'hydrophilic'.
- What does the transition "moreover" most strongly signal in Text Completion?
- Support: additional evidence reinforcing the prior claim. This word adds reinforcing details or examples, strengthening the initial argument without introducing opposition.
- What does the prefix "pro-" typically indicate in word meaning inference?
- In favor of; supporting. It denotes advocacy or advancement, modifying roots to express support or progression in vocabulary.
- What does the prefix "anti-" typically indicate in word meaning inference?
- Against; opposing. This prefix signals opposition or resistance, commonly altering base words to convey counteraction.
- What does the transition "nevertheless" most strongly signal in Text Completion?
- Concession: a surprising contrast despite the prior point. It acknowledges a counterpoint but proceeds to affirm the main idea, creating a nuanced contrast.
- Choose the word that best fits: "His argument was ____; it relied on sweeping generalizations."
- specious. It refers to something deceptively plausible but flawed, matching an argument based on weak generalizations.
- What does "because" most strongly signal in Text Completion?
- Cause: the clause provides a reason or explanation. It links a reason directly to an effect, providing explanatory context for the main clause.
- What does "rather than" most strongly signal in Text Completion?
- Preference/contrast: one option is chosen over another. This phrase highlights a selection or correction, emphasizing one element while dismissing alternatives.
- Choose the word that best fits: "The evidence was ____; it could be read either way."
- equivocal. It conveys ambiguity or uncertainty, suitable for evidence open to multiple interpretations.
- Choose the word that best fits: "The CEO's statement was ____ with qualifiers and cautions."
- hedged. This term indicates qualification or reservation, describing a statement filled with cautious language.
- Choose the word that best fits: "The committee's praise was ____; it was clearly forced."
- begrudging. This word implies reluctance or resentment, aligning with forced or insincere praise.
- Choose the word that best fits: "Her apology was ____; it sounded memorized."
- perfunctory. This term describes a superficial or routine action lacking sincerity, fitting a memorized, insincere apology.
- What does the transition "therefore" most strongly signal in Text Completion?
- Conclusion: the next idea follows logically from the prior idea. It indicates a logical outcome or summation based on preceding information, reinforcing the sentence's progression.
- What is the key strategy for a two-blank Text Completion sentence?
- Solve the easier blank first, then fit the second to it. Starting with the more straightforward blank builds context, ensuring the second choice maintains logical consistency.
- What does the transition "however" most strongly signal in Text Completion?
- Contrast: the next idea opposes or qualifies the prior idea. This transition introduces an opposing viewpoint, shifting the sentence's direction to highlight differences or qualifications.
- Choose the word that best fits: "The novel's humor is ____; it relies on subtle irony."
- wry. It describes humor that is dry and ironic, relying on subtle twists for effect.
- Choose the word that best fits: "Her style is ____; she says much with few words."
- laconic. This word means concise and terse, ideal for a style that conveys depth with brevity.
- Choose the word that best fits: "The professor's comments were ____; they clarified nothing."
- opaque. It means unclear or obscure, fitting comments that fail to provide clarification.
- What is the key strategy for a three-blank Text Completion sentence?
- Build a coherent paraphrase; ensure all blanks agree in logic. Creating a unified sentence paraphrase verifies that all words fit together logically without contradictions.
- What is the primary danger of choosing a familiar word in Text Completion?
- Familiarity bias: the word may not match the sentence's logic. Familiar words can mislead if they do not precisely align with the required contextual meaning or logic.
- Choose the word that best fits: "She was ____ about details, correcting even minor errors."
- fastidious. This adjective denotes meticulous attention to detail, appropriate for someone who corrects minor issues.
- What is the most reliable first step for choosing a Text Completion word using context?
- Determine the sentence's logical direction (support vs. contrast). Identifying the overall logical flow helps select words that align with the sentence's intended support or opposition.