Two Verbs in Two-Blank Texts - GRE Verbal
Card 1 of 294
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Although the mischievous student could not from clowning around in class, he did attempt to the teacher by giving her an apple.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Although the mischievous student could not from clowning around in class, he did attempt to the teacher by giving her an apple.
Tap to reveal answer
"Mitigate" means to lessen damage, while "impute" means to attribute or ascribe. Only "abstain" means to stop from doing something bad. In the second blank, the student is trying to undo the damage, so "horrify" does not make sense, and "recuperate" means to recover. Only "placate" means to lessen damage.
"Mitigate" means to lessen damage, while "impute" means to attribute or ascribe. Only "abstain" means to stop from doing something bad. In the second blank, the student is trying to undo the damage, so "horrify" does not make sense, and "recuperate" means to recover. Only "placate" means to lessen damage.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Authoritarian regimes often lead to a in civic spirit. Although they often begin by the people to high-spirited patriotism, they often end by creating wholly cynical citizens.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Authoritarian regimes often lead to a in civic spirit. Although they often begin by the people to high-spirited patriotism, they often end by creating wholly cynical citizens.
Tap to reveal answer
The key phrase is "although . . ." and the sense of the juxtaposition is completed by "they often end by creating wholly cynical citizens." The sense is that the regimes begin by making the citizens very engaged, but they end in destroying this civic involvement; therefore, we can immediately eliminate "increase . . . inviting", "coup . . . deceiving," "waxing . . . leading", and "waning . . . discouraging." The best fit is "decline . . . inciting" because it captures the sense of the loss of spirit as well as its initial inspiration (even if through incitement).
The key phrase is "although . . ." and the sense of the juxtaposition is completed by "they often end by creating wholly cynical citizens." The sense is that the regimes begin by making the citizens very engaged, but they end in destroying this civic involvement; therefore, we can immediately eliminate "increase . . . inviting", "coup . . . deceiving," "waxing . . . leading", and "waning . . . discouraging." The best fit is "decline . . . inciting" because it captures the sense of the loss of spirit as well as its initial inspiration (even if through incitement).
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
Paschal was not known to when discussing difficult topics; he did not fear his friends by directly addressing difficult issues.
Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
Paschal was not known to when discussing difficult topics; he did not fear his friends by directly addressing difficult issues.
Tap to reveal answer
The key points to heed are that the topics are "difficult" and that Paschal did not fear directly addressing issues. Really, the easiest way to begin with this is to see that "circumlocute" particularly fits the bill for the first blank and to note that "disconcerting" likewise works well. Circumlocute comes from the Latin for to talk ("locute") and around ("circum"). The other options are tempting, but none of them catch the sense in such a manner that so directly matches Paschal's desire to directly address issues.
The key points to heed are that the topics are "difficult" and that Paschal did not fear directly addressing issues. Really, the easiest way to begin with this is to see that "circumlocute" particularly fits the bill for the first blank and to note that "disconcerting" likewise works well. Circumlocute comes from the Latin for to talk ("locute") and around ("circum"). The other options are tempting, but none of them catch the sense in such a manner that so directly matches Paschal's desire to directly address issues.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
After the mined copper and tin to rid the metals of impurities, the refinery the two elements in a single sand mold to create bronze.
Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
After the mined copper and tin to rid the metals of impurities, the refinery the two elements in a single sand mold to create bronze.
Tap to reveal answer
For the first blank, we are looking for a word which means to rid of impurities, so we should focus on "rarefying," which means just that, and "homogenizing," which means to make uniform. For the second blank, we need a word that means to combine, since the metals are being poured into one mold. Since "amalgamates" means combines different things into one, the correct answer is "rarefying . . . amalgamates."
For the first blank, we are looking for a word which means to rid of impurities, so we should focus on "rarefying," which means just that, and "homogenizing," which means to make uniform. For the second blank, we need a word that means to combine, since the metals are being poured into one mold. Since "amalgamates" means combines different things into one, the correct answer is "rarefying . . . amalgamates."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Medieval medicine was notoriously risky; most treatments were as likely to symptoms as they were to them.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Medieval medicine was notoriously risky; most treatments were as likely to symptoms as they were to them.
Tap to reveal answer
Because medieval treatments were risky, we know that they were as likely to hurt patients as they were to help them. So, because the missing words both refer to symptoms, we’re looking for a synonym of cause or increase for the first blank, and a synonym for lessen for the second blank. We can eliminate the answer choices that include “hamper,” “nullify,” and “abrogate” as options for the first blank, leaving us with “exacerbate . . . allay” and “engender . . . worsen.” Since we’re looking for a word for the second blank that means lessen, we can eliminate “engender . . . worsen,” since “worsen” means the opposite of “lessen.” So, the correct answer is “exacerbate . . . allay.”
Because medieval treatments were risky, we know that they were as likely to hurt patients as they were to help them. So, because the missing words both refer to symptoms, we’re looking for a synonym of cause or increase for the first blank, and a synonym for lessen for the second blank. We can eliminate the answer choices that include “hamper,” “nullify,” and “abrogate” as options for the first blank, leaving us with “exacerbate . . . allay” and “engender . . . worsen.” Since we’re looking for a word for the second blank that means lessen, we can eliminate “engender . . . worsen,” since “worsen” means the opposite of “lessen.” So, the correct answer is “exacerbate . . . allay.”
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The popular newspaper attempted to the reporter who exposed the corruption of which they were part by writing articles her and telling the most outrageous lies about her life that were intended to damage her reputation.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The popular newspaper attempted to the reporter who exposed the corruption of which they were part by writing articles her and telling the most outrageous lies about her life that were intended to damage her reputation.
Tap to reveal answer
For the first blank, we can infer that we need to pick out a verb that means something like "ruin the reputation of," because we know that the reporter exposed the newspaper's corruption. Either "demonize" ("portray as wicked and threatening") or "vilify" ("speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner") could be potentially correct. For the second blank, we need to pick out a word that means something like "write things intended to damage one's reputation," so either "slandering" ("making false and damaging statements about (someone)") or "disparaging" ("regarding or representing as being of little worth") could be correct. Of the possible words that we've identified as potentially correct for each blank, only "vilify" and "slandering" appear in the same answer choice, so the correct answer is "vilify . . . slandering."
For the first blank, we can infer that we need to pick out a verb that means something like "ruin the reputation of," because we know that the reporter exposed the newspaper's corruption. Either "demonize" ("portray as wicked and threatening") or "vilify" ("speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner") could be potentially correct. For the second blank, we need to pick out a word that means something like "write things intended to damage one's reputation," so either "slandering" ("making false and damaging statements about (someone)") or "disparaging" ("regarding or representing as being of little worth") could be correct. Of the possible words that we've identified as potentially correct for each blank, only "vilify" and "slandering" appear in the same answer choice, so the correct answer is "vilify . . . slandering."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The once-trendy restaurant's popularity had to the point that we were able to a reservation for that very night.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The once-trendy restaurant's popularity had to the point that we were able to a reservation for that very night.
Tap to reveal answer
If this restaurant's popularity has increased, we would expect it to be difficult to reserve a table for the same night; conversely, if its popularity has declined, it would be relatively easy to get a same-day reservation. The end of the sentence ("we were able to") tells us that the latter scenario (diminished popularity/ better odds of getting a reservation) is the case here. For the first blank, either "waned" or "ebbed" would fit, as these are synonyms meaning decreased. "Secure" and "procure" in the second blank would both mean that you were able to obtain a reservation. "Proffer" (offer) would not make sense. Thus, the pairing of waned/secure is the correct answer.
If this restaurant's popularity has increased, we would expect it to be difficult to reserve a table for the same night; conversely, if its popularity has declined, it would be relatively easy to get a same-day reservation. The end of the sentence ("we were able to") tells us that the latter scenario (diminished popularity/ better odds of getting a reservation) is the case here. For the first blank, either "waned" or "ebbed" would fit, as these are synonyms meaning decreased. "Secure" and "procure" in the second blank would both mean that you were able to obtain a reservation. "Proffer" (offer) would not make sense. Thus, the pairing of waned/secure is the correct answer.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
When the emperor declared that the monasteries would be closed, the monks from all around the countryside and upon the imperial capital as a group to protest this action.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
When the emperor declared that the monasteries would be closed, the monks from all around the countryside and upon the imperial capital as a group to protest this action.
Tap to reveal answer
The best clue in this sentence is the word "upon," which indicates that the monks apparently came to the city in protest. Likewise, it is important to notice that they came as a "group." Thus, we should say that they gathered together, not that they fled together. The general idea is that they gathered and then all "stormed" the city in protest. The word "congregate" means come together in a crowd. A church "congregation" is called such because it is a gathering of people. Based upon its Latin roots, it is literally a "flocking together." The monks gathered and then all together "swarmed"—i.e. moved as one large group—upon the capital city in protest as a swarming group. Swarming insects are so called because they act as a group made up of many individuals.
The best clue in this sentence is the word "upon," which indicates that the monks apparently came to the city in protest. Likewise, it is important to notice that they came as a "group." Thus, we should say that they gathered together, not that they fled together. The general idea is that they gathered and then all "stormed" the city in protest. The word "congregate" means come together in a crowd. A church "congregation" is called such because it is a gathering of people. Based upon its Latin roots, it is literally a "flocking together." The monks gathered and then all together "swarmed"—i.e. moved as one large group—upon the capital city in protest as a swarming group. Swarming insects are so called because they act as a group made up of many individuals.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Leonardo da Vinci was thought to have the existence of several modern inventions, such as the helicopter; however, he is most well known for his works of art, which is highly , even in modern times, with thousands traveling to see even the tiny Mona Lisa every year.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Leonardo da Vinci was thought to have the existence of several modern inventions, such as the helicopter; however, he is most well known for his works of art, which is highly , even in modern times, with thousands traveling to see even the tiny Mona Lisa every year.
Tap to reveal answer
Sentence completion questions sometimes count on students studying roots, then throw in answers that seem like they could be the right answer based on the roots, but do not actually have the appropriate definition, as a way of separating the wheat from the chaff. This is one such question.
The best strategy for a compound sentence such as this, which doesn't have clear indications of meaning from conjunctions, is to use the text's logic to reach your answers. This means when you read along, it can be helpful to "fill in the blank," i.e. guess what kind of word would be in the blank before looking at the answer choices, so you can choose the best answer upon seeing it.
For the first blank, you need to look at the first half of this sentence. It relates da Vinci to the helicopter, which is a twentieth-century invention; thus, it would make sense for da Vinci to have "foreseen" the existence of modern inventions. "Forecasted" (predicted) makes sense in this context, but "precasted" (cast something in a different location than where it will be installed) does not.
For the second blank, the same trick works. Reading this half of the sentence again, the art, which is described by the word that will go in the second blank, is seen by thousands of people every year. Thus, it must be well-known or well-liked, which "esteemed" (admired) accurately conveys, while "estimated" (roughly judged the value or total of something) does not.
Sentence completion questions sometimes count on students studying roots, then throw in answers that seem like they could be the right answer based on the roots, but do not actually have the appropriate definition, as a way of separating the wheat from the chaff. This is one such question.
The best strategy for a compound sentence such as this, which doesn't have clear indications of meaning from conjunctions, is to use the text's logic to reach your answers. This means when you read along, it can be helpful to "fill in the blank," i.e. guess what kind of word would be in the blank before looking at the answer choices, so you can choose the best answer upon seeing it.
For the first blank, you need to look at the first half of this sentence. It relates da Vinci to the helicopter, which is a twentieth-century invention; thus, it would make sense for da Vinci to have "foreseen" the existence of modern inventions. "Forecasted" (predicted) makes sense in this context, but "precasted" (cast something in a different location than where it will be installed) does not.
For the second blank, the same trick works. Reading this half of the sentence again, the art, which is described by the word that will go in the second blank, is seen by thousands of people every year. Thus, it must be well-known or well-liked, which "esteemed" (admired) accurately conveys, while "estimated" (roughly judged the value or total of something) does not.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Heather could not believe that the smell of the gas had through the whole house; the small inlet pipe seemed capable of only the tiniest quantity of vapor.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Heather could not believe that the smell of the gas had through the whole house; the small inlet pipe seemed capable of only the tiniest quantity of vapor.
Tap to reveal answer
The best clue for starting this question is "only the tiniest quantity of vapor." It seemed that the inlet for the pipe could allow in only a small quantity of gas. However, it seems that more had happened—for Heather was surprised at something. The general idea is that gas had spread throughout the house. Hence, "diffused" is an excellent first choice, and "emitting" well describes the general act of allowing a substance to "go forth" (as would happen with the gas coming out of the pipe). ("Emit" comes from Latin roots literally meaning to send forth. To "trans-mit" means to send ("-mit") across ("trans-").)
The best clue for starting this question is "only the tiniest quantity of vapor." It seemed that the inlet for the pipe could allow in only a small quantity of gas. However, it seems that more had happened—for Heather was surprised at something. The general idea is that gas had spread throughout the house. Hence, "diffused" is an excellent first choice, and "emitting" well describes the general act of allowing a substance to "go forth" (as would happen with the gas coming out of the pipe). ("Emit" comes from Latin roots literally meaning to send forth. To "trans-mit" means to send ("-mit") across ("trans-").)
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Although his brother argued that the meal would be large enough for both of the men, Benjamin that it would hardly one of them.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Although his brother argued that the meal would be large enough for both of the men, Benjamin that it would hardly one of them.
Tap to reveal answer
Clearly, the first blank has to be something describing the act of stating an opinion and (likely) defending it. Many of the choices provided would fit that role; therefore, the best thing to look at in a case like this is the second blank and the options provided for it. Almost all of the wrong answers have something to do with pleasing or displeasing. This is not the point of disagreement between the two brothers. They disagree as to whether or not the meal will be filling. Therefore, the best option for the second blank is "satiate," meaning to satisfy or fill.
Clearly, the first blank has to be something describing the act of stating an opinion and (likely) defending it. Many of the choices provided would fit that role; therefore, the best thing to look at in a case like this is the second blank and the options provided for it. Almost all of the wrong answers have something to do with pleasing or displeasing. This is not the point of disagreement between the two brothers. They disagree as to whether or not the meal will be filling. Therefore, the best option for the second blank is "satiate," meaning to satisfy or fill.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Although he did not the president's actions, Ralph was able to understand the motivations that may have him to make the decision.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Although he did not the president's actions, Ralph was able to understand the motivations that may have him to make the decision.
Tap to reveal answer
The key word in this selection is the concessive "although." Ralph at least understands the motivations that could have led the president to take the course of action in question. The word "induce" literally means to lead into. Here, it takes on the meaning to bring about. "Condone" means accept in this sentence (though it can also mean permit). Though Ralph did not think the action to be acceptable, he did at least understand its motivating causes.
The key word in this selection is the concessive "although." Ralph at least understands the motivations that could have led the president to take the course of action in question. The word "induce" literally means to lead into. Here, it takes on the meaning to bring about. "Condone" means accept in this sentence (though it can also mean permit). Though Ralph did not think the action to be acceptable, he did at least understand its motivating causes.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Aryeh believed that children become immature when they are treated too mildly, for when he was a child, his parents him without hesitation; he believed that such scolding helped to him from developing the bad habits he saw in today's youth.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Aryeh believed that children become immature when they are treated too mildly, for when he was a child, his parents him without hesitation; he believed that such scolding helped to him from developing the bad habits he saw in today's youth.
Tap to reveal answer
Two of the wrong options tempt you to find a harsh form of scolding to contrast to the "mild treatment" that Aryeh believes that he sees. We are clearly looking for scolding, as is indicated in the last sentence. The best option is the pair that has "objurgate," for this word means to scold harshly. The word "inhibit" likewise works well for the second blank, for it means hinder or restrain. It is close enough to "prevent," which is the general sense of this blank.
Two of the wrong options tempt you to find a harsh form of scolding to contrast to the "mild treatment" that Aryeh believes that he sees. We are clearly looking for scolding, as is indicated in the last sentence. The best option is the pair that has "objurgate," for this word means to scold harshly. The word "inhibit" likewise works well for the second blank, for it means hinder or restrain. It is close enough to "prevent," which is the general sense of this blank.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
After hours of testimony, the facts did not Peter, even though the glowering faces of the jury him that a guilty verdict would be reached.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
After hours of testimony, the facts did not Peter, even though the glowering faces of the jury him that a guilty verdict would be reached.
Tap to reveal answer
The general idea of this sentence is that the facts did not condemn Peter, even though the jury seemed certain to reach a guilty verdict. The word "inculpate" is quite rare, but it fits rather well. It means to make to be guilty. When someone is "culpable," he or she is guilty, and a "culprit" is a guilty party. Thus, the facts failed to make him appear to be guilty, though he thought he would be judged to be so.
The general idea of this sentence is that the facts did not condemn Peter, even though the jury seemed certain to reach a guilty verdict. The word "inculpate" is quite rare, but it fits rather well. It means to make to be guilty. When someone is "culpable," he or she is guilty, and a "culprit" is a guilty party. Thus, the facts failed to make him appear to be guilty, though he thought he would be judged to be so.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
As he drove down the highway, Raphael blithely the trash through the window, the lives of the driver behind him, whose windshield was hit and obscured by the large, slimy object.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
As he drove down the highway, Raphael blithely the trash through the window, the lives of the driver behind him, whose windshield was hit and obscured by the large, slimy object.
Tap to reveal answer
The word "blithely" means done in a casually cheerful manner. For this reason, it is unlikely that Raphael merely "slipped" the item out the window. (A blithe person would likely throw it without much care at all.) Also, do not be tricked by the word "tousled"—which is not "tossed"! To "tousle" someone's hair is to make it messy. By so obscuring the windshield of the driver behind him, he thus endangered the other driver's life. That is, he put him or her into peril—"imperiled" them!
The word "blithely" means done in a casually cheerful manner. For this reason, it is unlikely that Raphael merely "slipped" the item out the window. (A blithe person would likely throw it without much care at all.) Also, do not be tricked by the word "tousled"—which is not "tossed"! To "tousle" someone's hair is to make it messy. By so obscuring the windshield of the driver behind him, he thus endangered the other driver's life. That is, he put him or her into peril—"imperiled" them!
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The man spoke out against the war crimes being by the national army and urged his brother to the throne.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The man spoke out against the war crimes being by the national army and urged his brother to the throne.
Tap to reveal answer
Since “castigated” and “venerated” do not fit after “war crimes,” we can assume the answer to the first blank is somewhere along the lines of “committed.” Since the man is speaking out against the war crimes, the only plausible argument would be to give up the throne. “Committed . . . abdicate” is the only answer that fits.
Since “castigated” and “venerated” do not fit after “war crimes,” we can assume the answer to the first blank is somewhere along the lines of “committed.” Since the man is speaking out against the war crimes, the only plausible argument would be to give up the throne. “Committed . . . abdicate” is the only answer that fits.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The president’s plan was applauded by some and by others, who believed that the such atrocious acts would only serve to further the two countries.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The president’s plan was applauded by some and by others, who believed that the such atrocious acts would only serve to further the two countries.
Tap to reveal answer
There is a sentence shift in the first part of the sentence. We know that the first blank must have a definition very different from “applauded.” Due to “atrocious acts,” we can further deduce that the verb is along the lines of regarding with extreme aversion. Since these “atrocious acts” could in no way unify the two countries, “abhorred . . . estrange “ is the correct answer.
There is a sentence shift in the first part of the sentence. We know that the first blank must have a definition very different from “applauded.” Due to “atrocious acts,” we can further deduce that the verb is along the lines of regarding with extreme aversion. Since these “atrocious acts” could in no way unify the two countries, “abhorred . . . estrange “ is the correct answer.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
When the drink-driving limit is high, people tend to overestimate how much alcohol can be consumed. Most drivers would if the drink-driving limit was .
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
When the drink-driving limit is high, people tend to overestimate how much alcohol can be consumed. Most drivers would if the drink-driving limit was .
Tap to reveal answer
The first sentence gives us some context, but it is not absolutely necessary to determine the correct answers. If we plug in the answer choices, we find that only one of the choices make logical sense. When the drink-driving limit is low, most drivers abstain from drinking just to be on the safe side. “Abstain . . . reduced” is the correct answer.
The first sentence gives us some context, but it is not absolutely necessary to determine the correct answers. If we plug in the answer choices, we find that only one of the choices make logical sense. When the drink-driving limit is low, most drivers abstain from drinking just to be on the safe side. “Abstain . . . reduced” is the correct answer.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
In massive disaster scenarios, it is quite difficult to how we should the resources that should be given to various groups and individuals in our societies.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
In massive disaster scenarios, it is quite difficult to how we should the resources that should be given to various groups and individuals in our societies.
Tap to reveal answer
A number of these options might be tempting if they are taken in the abstract away from the actual textual clues offered for the sentences in question. Notice, however, the straight-forward clues. The sentence is basically stating that it is difficult to "figure out" how we should "divide up" the resources to be distributed. This means that it is difficult to "ascertain" the way to "allocate" our resources. None of the other options address this direct meaning of the sentence. While it is may be necessary to scavenge, steward, regulate, or organize resources in a disaster, none of these really deal with how we "divide up" or "give out" resources.
A number of these options might be tempting if they are taken in the abstract away from the actual textual clues offered for the sentences in question. Notice, however, the straight-forward clues. The sentence is basically stating that it is difficult to "figure out" how we should "divide up" the resources to be distributed. This means that it is difficult to "ascertain" the way to "allocate" our resources. None of the other options address this direct meaning of the sentence. While it is may be necessary to scavenge, steward, regulate, or organize resources in a disaster, none of these really deal with how we "divide up" or "give out" resources.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
With his obsequious words, Nicholas hoped to his boss’s concerns as well as him into agreeing that Nicholas should have an extra week of vacation time.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
With his obsequious words, Nicholas hoped to his boss’s concerns as well as him into agreeing that Nicholas should have an extra week of vacation time.
Tap to reveal answer
The first blank hints at Nicholas's hope that he can "soften" or reduce his boss's concerns. Whenever we "mollify" something, we soften it or reduce its intensity. This word comes from Latin roots meaning soft. Substances that are called emollients help to soften things. Perhaps you have bought facial creams that do this. Often, such a cream will be labeled as being an emollient. The second blank is hinted at by the phrase "obsequious words." Whenever we are "obsequious," we are very servile. Often, such an attitude hides a kind of flattery. This is what is being hinted at here. Hence, we need something better than "convince" or "persuade." The word "cajole" is best, for it indicates a kind of persuading that includes the idea of flattery.
The first blank hints at Nicholas's hope that he can "soften" or reduce his boss's concerns. Whenever we "mollify" something, we soften it or reduce its intensity. This word comes from Latin roots meaning soft. Substances that are called emollients help to soften things. Perhaps you have bought facial creams that do this. Often, such a cream will be labeled as being an emollient. The second blank is hinted at by the phrase "obsequious words." Whenever we are "obsequious," we are very servile. Often, such an attitude hides a kind of flattery. This is what is being hinted at here. Hence, we need something better than "convince" or "persuade." The word "cajole" is best, for it indicates a kind of persuading that includes the idea of flattery.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →