Adjectives and Adverbs in One-Blank Texts - GRE Verbal
Card 1 of 3486
After hours of listening to her son's loud and aggressive music, the woman sought a more tone for her music choice.
After hours of listening to her son's loud and aggressive music, the woman sought a more tone for her music choice.
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The sentence explicitly contrasts the missing word with "loud and aggressive." The correct answer needs to mean softer and less aggressive. "Subdued," meaning restrained or controlled, is the best choice.
The sentence explicitly contrasts the missing word with "loud and aggressive." The correct answer needs to mean softer and less aggressive. "Subdued," meaning restrained or controlled, is the best choice.
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The body was found , and the police only found the stomach wounds when it was moved.
The body was found , and the police only found the stomach wounds when it was moved.
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The body had to be moved to see "stomach wounds." The correct answer must therefore mean lying face down, the definition of "prostrate."
The body had to be moved to see "stomach wounds." The correct answer must therefore mean lying face down, the definition of "prostrate."
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The meeting was deemed necessary because none of the parties wanted it known they were negotiating.
The meeting was deemed necessary because none of the parties wanted it known they were negotiating.
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The meeting is one where no one "wanted it known" it was happening. The correct answer will reflect the meeting's discreet nature. "Clandestine," meaning secret or covert, is the best choice.
The meeting is one where no one "wanted it known" it was happening. The correct answer will reflect the meeting's discreet nature. "Clandestine," meaning secret or covert, is the best choice.
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Although it recycled concepts from previous work, the musical arrangment was heralded by critics as .
Although it recycled concepts from previous work, the musical arrangment was heralded by critics as .
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The "although" here is a clue—it shows that despite using old material, the composition is the opposite of that. "Innovative" is the correct answer, meaning "advanced and original, featuring new methods." Don't confuse "ingenuous" with "ingenious"—it means "innocent."
The "although" here is a clue—it shows that despite using old material, the composition is the opposite of that. "Innovative" is the correct answer, meaning "advanced and original, featuring new methods." Don't confuse "ingenuous" with "ingenious"—it means "innocent."
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Volatile and , the President changed the administration's policies frequently.
Volatile and , the President changed the administration's policies frequently.
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The conjunction "and", as well as the comma, are clues here. So we're looking for a word that refers both to being volatile (changing rapidly and unpredictably) and changing frequently—the same thing. "Capricious" fits best—meaning "given to sudden changes in mood or behavior."
The conjunction "and", as well as the comma, are clues here. So we're looking for a word that refers both to being volatile (changing rapidly and unpredictably) and changing frequently—the same thing. "Capricious" fits best—meaning "given to sudden changes in mood or behavior."
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The guitar student in the apartment adjoining ours had talent; although the music reaching our apartment was anything but mellifluous, we could tell he possessed a latent sense of rhythm and musicality.
The guitar student in the apartment adjoining ours had talent; although the music reaching our apartment was anything but mellifluous, we could tell he possessed a latent sense of rhythm and musicality.
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The sentence states that although the guitar student doesn't produce beautiful music at the moment, he is advancing in his musical abilities. Thus, he has inchoate talent that is being formed.
The sentence states that although the guitar student doesn't produce beautiful music at the moment, he is advancing in his musical abilities. Thus, he has inchoate talent that is being formed.
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Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
Henry VIII, though lean and athletic in his early years, accrued a(n) mass later on in life.
Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
Henry VIII, though lean and athletic in his early years, accrued a(n) mass later on in life.
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"Urbane" makes no sense whatsoever, as it means refined and would not really be used to describe someone's mass. "Lithe" and "slender" both mean lean, but the use of the word "though" indicates that the blank will be filled with something that means the opposite of "lean." An "inconsequent" mass would be a very small amount, which would once more indicate that Henry VIII's physique did not change much. Thus "ponderous", meaning of great weight, makes the most sense.
"Urbane" makes no sense whatsoever, as it means refined and would not really be used to describe someone's mass. "Lithe" and "slender" both mean lean, but the use of the word "though" indicates that the blank will be filled with something that means the opposite of "lean." An "inconsequent" mass would be a very small amount, which would once more indicate that Henry VIII's physique did not change much. Thus "ponderous", meaning of great weight, makes the most sense.
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After my dog had soiled my floors with his filthy paws, I cleaned the carpeting so that it was once again bereft of all the dog fur and dirt that he had left in it.
After my dog had soiled my floors with his filthy paws, I cleaned the carpeting so that it was once again bereft of all the dog fur and dirt that he had left in it.
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Because "halfheartedly" and "indifferently" mean that the person was not very concerned with cleaning the carpet, it would not make sense that the carpet was left so spotless. "Blithely" means happily, which also does not make sense. "Indignantly" could work because it means that the person was not happy about having to clean the carpet, but "meticulously", which means painstakingly, makes the most sense because of the emphasis placed on how clean the carpet was afterward.
Because "halfheartedly" and "indifferently" mean that the person was not very concerned with cleaning the carpet, it would not make sense that the carpet was left so spotless. "Blithely" means happily, which also does not make sense. "Indignantly" could work because it means that the person was not happy about having to clean the carpet, but "meticulously", which means painstakingly, makes the most sense because of the emphasis placed on how clean the carpet was afterward.
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Volunteering at her local hospital bolstered Alejandra's already interest in studying to become a nurse.
Volunteering at her local hospital bolstered Alejandra's already interest in studying to become a nurse.
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"Infallible" means faultless, while "disingenuous" means fake, but neither of these make sense because we are talking about Alejandra's interest in nursing increasing somehow. "Obliterated" means completely destroyed, which means that she had no interest to bolster whatsoever. "Nonexistent" would also indicate that she had no interest in nursing whatsoever, which also makes no sense; however "nascent", meaning coming into being, does make sense.
"Infallible" means faultless, while "disingenuous" means fake, but neither of these make sense because we are talking about Alejandra's interest in nursing increasing somehow. "Obliterated" means completely destroyed, which means that she had no interest to bolster whatsoever. "Nonexistent" would also indicate that she had no interest in nursing whatsoever, which also makes no sense; however "nascent", meaning coming into being, does make sense.
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Rain and sun, though for the most part to the healthy growth of plants, can hurt them when either is in excess.
Rain and sun, though for the most part to the healthy growth of plants, can hurt them when either is in excess.
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Rain and sun are, for the most part, good for plant growth, which means that "calamitous," "grievous," "unfavorable," and "antagonistic" do not work. But "conducive," meaning making a certain outcome likely, is a good choice.
Rain and sun are, for the most part, good for plant growth, which means that "calamitous," "grievous," "unfavorable," and "antagonistic" do not work. But "conducive," meaning making a certain outcome likely, is a good choice.
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Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
Though to long commutes after so many years, LaRhette was delighted by the novelty of working much closer to home.
Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
Though to long commutes after so many years, LaRhette was delighted by the novelty of working much closer to home.
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The sentence conveys the idea is that LaRhette does not have too big of a problem with long commutes, but it also suggests that she is happy that she does not have to undertake long commutes anymore. Thus "averse," meaning opposed, and "indisposed," meaning unwilling, do not work at all in the sentence's context. "Agreeable," meaning willing, or "inclined," meaning leaning towards, could each work; however, since it seems that she prefers her now-shorter commute, even though she was used to longer commutes, "inured," meaning accustomed to, makes the most sense, because it doesn't convey as much of a positive view of LaRhette's previous, longer commute.
The sentence conveys the idea is that LaRhette does not have too big of a problem with long commutes, but it also suggests that she is happy that she does not have to undertake long commutes anymore. Thus "averse," meaning opposed, and "indisposed," meaning unwilling, do not work at all in the sentence's context. "Agreeable," meaning willing, or "inclined," meaning leaning towards, could each work; however, since it seems that she prefers her now-shorter commute, even though she was used to longer commutes, "inured," meaning accustomed to, makes the most sense, because it doesn't convey as much of a positive view of LaRhette's previous, longer commute.
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His performance led many to wonder if he was even trying to do a good job.
His performance led many to wonder if he was even trying to do a good job.
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The sentence indicates the quality of the performance was such that people wondered "if he was even trying." This means the correct answer will show his performance was not good. "Abysmal," meaning extremely bad, is the best fit among the answers.
The sentence indicates the quality of the performance was such that people wondered "if he was even trying." This means the correct answer will show his performance was not good. "Abysmal," meaning extremely bad, is the best fit among the answers.
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The band's music was usually considered and highly inappropriate for mainstream radio.
The band's music was usually considered and highly inappropriate for mainstream radio.
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The band's music is "highly inappropriate for mainstream radio." The correct answer must reflect a sense of horribleness or offensiveness. "Noisome," meaning disgusting or repugnant, is the best answer choice.
The band's music is "highly inappropriate for mainstream radio." The correct answer must reflect a sense of horribleness or offensiveness. "Noisome," meaning disgusting or repugnant, is the best answer choice.
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Naturally reserved and fearful of the overwhelming crowd of adults, the small child remained in the face of all their questioning and hid behind her mother.
Naturally reserved and fearful of the overwhelming crowd of adults, the small child remained in the face of all their questioning and hid behind her mother.
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"Voluble" and "loquacious" both mean talkative, which is probably not the case with this child. The child might be "irritable," meaning easily angered, or "desolate," meaning depressed. But "reticent," meaning silent makes more sense because the child is shy but has no reason to be angered or saddened.
"Voluble" and "loquacious" both mean talkative, which is probably not the case with this child. The child might be "irritable," meaning easily angered, or "desolate," meaning depressed. But "reticent," meaning silent makes more sense because the child is shy but has no reason to be angered or saddened.
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In spite of her musical talent, Talia never became a popular Broadway actress because her manner rendered her characters impersonable.
In spite of her musical talent, Talia never became a popular Broadway actress because her manner rendered her characters impersonable.
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There is something about the way Talia acts that made it impossible for her audiences to relate to her characters. So "sincere" and "forthcoming," both meaning honest, do not work. Meanwhile "eloquent" and "unfaltering" both describe someone who speaks with conviction. Thus "affected," meaning fake, is the best choice.
There is something about the way Talia acts that made it impossible for her audiences to relate to her characters. So "sincere" and "forthcoming," both meaning honest, do not work. Meanwhile "eloquent" and "unfaltering" both describe someone who speaks with conviction. Thus "affected," meaning fake, is the best choice.
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Despite his popular appeal and acclaim among critics, the writer remained , preferring the solitude of his own home to public book signings and colloquia with other famed writers.
Despite his popular appeal and acclaim among critics, the writer remained , preferring the solitude of his own home to public book signings and colloquia with other famed writers.
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"Courteous," "convivial," "genial," and "affable" could all be used to describe someone polite or friendly. Only "misanthropic," meaning antisocial, could describe someone like the writer in question.
"Courteous," "convivial," "genial," and "affable" could all be used to describe someone polite or friendly. Only "misanthropic," meaning antisocial, could describe someone like the writer in question.
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Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
My dog's fear of water made the task of bathing him rather .
Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
My dog's fear of water made the task of bathing him rather .
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Someone might consider the task of bathing a dog to be "simple," "straightforward," or "rudimentary," all meaning basic. Someone who thinks the task is especially easy also might call it "negligible"; however, these do not make sense contextually, because the dog in question does not like water: this would make the task of bathing him "onerous," meaning burdensome.
Someone might consider the task of bathing a dog to be "simple," "straightforward," or "rudimentary," all meaning basic. Someone who thinks the task is especially easy also might call it "negligible"; however, these do not make sense contextually, because the dog in question does not like water: this would make the task of bathing him "onerous," meaning burdensome.
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Although sentimental readers find the intricate plot of the romance Gone with the Wind to be riveting, more pragmatic thinkers find the long story to be .
Although sentimental readers find the intricate plot of the romance Gone with the Wind to be riveting, more pragmatic thinkers find the long story to be .
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"Elementary" and "primitive" both mean basic, which contradicts the idea that the plot of the novel is "intricate." "Evocative" and "stirring," both meaning exciting, draw no contrast with the word "riveting," but it is clear from the word "although" that pragmatic thinkers and sentimental readers are supposed feel differently about the novel. Thus "soporific," meaning dull or inducing sleep, is the best choice.
"Elementary" and "primitive" both mean basic, which contradicts the idea that the plot of the novel is "intricate." "Evocative" and "stirring," both meaning exciting, draw no contrast with the word "riveting," but it is clear from the word "although" that pragmatic thinkers and sentimental readers are supposed feel differently about the novel. Thus "soporific," meaning dull or inducing sleep, is the best choice.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
So subdued and quiet that she almost seems timid at times, Sophie becomes suddenly when someone contradicts her views on issues of social inequality.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
So subdued and quiet that she almost seems timid at times, Sophie becomes suddenly when someone contradicts her views on issues of social inequality.
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"Taciturn" means quiet and "tremulous" means timid, so neither of these make much sense. "Callous" and "irreverent" would make it seem like Sophie wants to show disregard for people who disagree with her, which could be the case, but it seems that her passion for these issues incites her to behave in a very out-of-character manner, so "pugnacious," meaning eager to quarrel, makes the most sense.
"Taciturn" means quiet and "tremulous" means timid, so neither of these make much sense. "Callous" and "irreverent" would make it seem like Sophie wants to show disregard for people who disagree with her, which could be the case, but it seems that her passion for these issues incites her to behave in a very out-of-character manner, so "pugnacious," meaning eager to quarrel, makes the most sense.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Journalists can weave their personal biases into their telling of the news and are often able to portray their own opinions as facts.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Journalists can weave their personal biases into their telling of the news and are often able to portray their own opinions as facts.
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A journalist would not want to portray his or her views as "paradoxical," or self-contradictory. He or she would also not want his or her stories to be "enigmatic," or impossible to understand. Simple facts are also generally not "ambiguous," meaning open to interpretation, or "dubious," meaning doubtful. "Unequivocal," meaning certain, is the best fit here.
A journalist would not want to portray his or her views as "paradoxical," or self-contradictory. He or she would also not want his or her stories to be "enigmatic," or impossible to understand. Simple facts are also generally not "ambiguous," meaning open to interpretation, or "dubious," meaning doubtful. "Unequivocal," meaning certain, is the best fit here.
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