Parts of Speech in Two-Blank Texts - GRE Verbal
Card 1 of 3479
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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 .
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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.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Napoleon’s that he would conquer all of Europe confirmed his nature.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Napoleon’s that he would conquer all of Europe confirmed his nature.
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The structure of the sentence indicates that the first word is a noun and the second word is an adjective that describes Napoleon’s nature. Moreover, the second word is “confirm\[ing\]” or supporting the first one. A "promulgation" is an announcemen t, and Napoleon’s claim that he will take over all of Europe would confirm his "headstrong" or stubborn and willful nature.
The structure of the sentence indicates that the first word is a noun and the second word is an adjective that describes Napoleon’s nature. Moreover, the second word is “confirm\[ing\]” or supporting the first one. A "promulgation" is an announcemen t, and Napoleon’s claim that he will take over all of Europe would confirm his "headstrong" or stubborn and willful nature.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
While bald eagles most commonly build their in the branches of tall trees near freshwater lakes and rivers, the effects of human activities, such as logging, have resulted in habitat loss.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
While bald eagles most commonly build their in the branches of tall trees near freshwater lakes and rivers, the effects of human activities, such as logging, have resulted in habitat loss.
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An "aerie" is a nest or habitat built high above the ground. "Deleterious" means harmful, often in a subtle way. As eagles live in trees, it makes sense that logging can have a negative effect on their habitats.
An "aerie" is a nest or habitat built high above the ground. "Deleterious" means harmful, often in a subtle way. As eagles live in trees, it makes sense that logging can have a negative effect on their habitats.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The Taj Mahal is a tourist destination that draws over 2 million visitors a year. While many people are under the misconception that it is a residence for royalty, it is actually a .
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The Taj Mahal is a tourist destination that draws over 2 million visitors a year. While many people are under the misconception that it is a residence for royalty, it is actually a .
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To be "palatial" means to resemble a palace, often in size. The Taj Mahal only resembles a palace, and is in fact a "mausoleum," or a building that houses tombs.
To be "palatial" means to resemble a palace, often in size. The Taj Mahal only resembles a palace, and is in fact a "mausoleum," or a building that houses tombs.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Because no one understood his works at the time, the author was considered an enigmatic figure. Decades later, when his works were rediscovered , readers began to appreciate his wit and verbal .
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Because no one understood his works at the time, the author was considered an enigmatic figure. Decades later, when his works were rediscovered , readers began to appreciate his wit and verbal .
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Since decades have passed when his works are rediscovered, the only answer for the second blank that makes sense is "posthumously," after his death. Acumen means sharpness and skill, and the author is now thought of as a good and sharp writer.
Since decades have passed when his works are rediscovered, the only answer for the second blank that makes sense is "posthumously," after his death. Acumen means sharpness and skill, and the author is now thought of as a good and sharp writer.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Judging by the weeping on his forearm, the young man’s claim to have been beaten by the protestors seems .
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Judging by the weeping on his forearm, the young man’s claim to have been beaten by the protestors seems .
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The first blank is "lacerations," because, of the choices, only lacerations weep on the forearm. The second blank is "credible" because the lacerations support the young man’s claim to have been beaten.
The first blank is "lacerations," because, of the choices, only lacerations weep on the forearm. The second blank is "credible" because the lacerations support the young man’s claim to have been beaten.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The bombastic dictator’s from the podium whipped the mob into a frenzy; they were willing to attack the object of his hatred.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The bombastic dictator’s from the podium whipped the mob into a frenzy; they were willing to attack the object of his hatred.
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A "bombastic" dictator (that is, an arrogant dictator) is not likely to cower or be servile; neither is "tardiness" likely to whip a mob into a frenzy. A "harangue," or noisy attacking speech, is very likely to rouse a mob, but only if that mob is comprised of gullible people. Gullible people are typically not "incredulous," "skeptical," or "objective." The second blank is therefore "credulous."
A "bombastic" dictator (that is, an arrogant dictator) is not likely to cower or be servile; neither is "tardiness" likely to whip a mob into a frenzy. A "harangue," or noisy attacking speech, is very likely to rouse a mob, but only if that mob is comprised of gullible people. Gullible people are typically not "incredulous," "skeptical," or "objective." The second blank is therefore "credulous."
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The old man was known by all to be a . He spent little on himself and was particularly with the needs and wants of his family.
The old man was known by all to be a . He spent little on himself and was particularly with the needs and wants of his family.
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A number of these answers are meant to be traps, though not all for the same reason. Clearly a matter of money is involved, so one might want to call the old man a "scrooge" but this fails not only because of its colloquial tone but also because "nasty" doesn't fit. "Pecuniary" tries to catch one who has a good vocabulary but is not appropriate at all in this context. He might have been a "rake" but certainly couldn't be effusive with his family's needs. The answer with "troglodyte" doesn't make sense. "Miser . . . parsimonious" fits perfectly.
A number of these answers are meant to be traps, though not all for the same reason. Clearly a matter of money is involved, so one might want to call the old man a "scrooge" but this fails not only because of its colloquial tone but also because "nasty" doesn't fit. "Pecuniary" tries to catch one who has a good vocabulary but is not appropriate at all in this context. He might have been a "rake" but certainly couldn't be effusive with his family's needs. The answer with "troglodyte" doesn't make sense. "Miser . . . parsimonious" fits perfectly.
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Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
From the time of her birth, the girl had been , always disobeying the of her elders.
Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
From the time of her birth, the girl had been , always disobeying the of her elders.
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The sense of the first term is that the girl is to be described as stubborn or disobedient (as is clear from the rest of the sentence). The second blank appears to indicate some sort of suggestions or (better) commands given her by her elders. To this end, "refractory . . . injunctions" fits best. Probably the most tempting answers are "unflinching . . . sagacity" and "willful . . . insights." The latter only fits closely enough for "willful." In the case of the former, process of elimination will show that "refractory . . . injunctions" is a closer fit. Always remember the importance of eliminating answers so you can make this kind of intelligent decision.
The sense of the first term is that the girl is to be described as stubborn or disobedient (as is clear from the rest of the sentence). The second blank appears to indicate some sort of suggestions or (better) commands given her by her elders. To this end, "refractory . . . injunctions" fits best. Probably the most tempting answers are "unflinching . . . sagacity" and "willful . . . insights." The latter only fits closely enough for "willful." In the case of the former, process of elimination will show that "refractory . . . injunctions" is a closer fit. Always remember the importance of eliminating answers so you can make this kind of intelligent decision.
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Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
For over a decade, Charles worked as the steward of the large household, seeming to see little positive outcome in the affairs he oversaw; however, his many efforts did finally come to after these long years of devoted service.
Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
For over a decade, Charles worked as the steward of the large household, seeming to see little positive outcome in the affairs he oversaw; however, his many efforts did finally come to after these long years of devoted service.
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Clearly Charles is continuing to work in the house, though he is not seeing much in the way of outcomes. Note also that there is an opposition in the second sentence, triggered by the word "however." Clearly, things turned around and there must have been some positive outcome. This allows us to eliminate "nothing" immediately, and although many of the others are tempting, only "fruition" captures the sense of a positive outcome occuring. Likewise, "assiduously" works well in the first blank, for Charles continued to work as steward in a devoted manner (so it would seem), in spite of many years of little success.
Clearly Charles is continuing to work in the house, though he is not seeing much in the way of outcomes. Note also that there is an opposition in the second sentence, triggered by the word "however." Clearly, things turned around and there must have been some positive outcome. This allows us to eliminate "nothing" immediately, and although many of the others are tempting, only "fruition" captures the sense of a positive outcome occuring. Likewise, "assiduously" works well in the first blank, for Charles continued to work as steward in a devoted manner (so it would seem), in spite of many years of little success.
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One could call the small town rather , for most of its inhabitants knew little more than the saws and repeated for generations by others who had not left the same locality.
One could call the small town rather , for most of its inhabitants knew little more than the saws and repeated for generations by others who had not left the same locality.
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The sense of the sentence is that the people do not leave the area often and rarely receive new insights from outside their precincts. Saws are more than tools used in the shop—they are also proverbs. Hence, don't be tempted by the amusing "hammers." Although "lessons" might be tempting, Lilliputian (from Gulliver's travels) means trivial or small (often taken physically). Perhaps one could consider the town to be Lilliputian, but "insular" would be better—and "maxims" particularly matches well with "saws." "Insular" is derived from the Latin word for island, indicating isolation.
The sense of the sentence is that the people do not leave the area often and rarely receive new insights from outside their precincts. Saws are more than tools used in the shop—they are also proverbs. Hence, don't be tempted by the amusing "hammers." Although "lessons" might be tempting, Lilliputian (from Gulliver's travels) means trivial or small (often taken physically). Perhaps one could consider the town to be Lilliputian, but "insular" would be better—and "maxims" particularly matches well with "saws." "Insular" is derived from the Latin word for island, indicating isolation.
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The notoriously boss often seemed like he loved talking to his employees, while many other times he dismissed them with short answers and seemed like a
.
The notoriously boss often seemed like he loved talking to his employees, while many other times he dismissed them with short answers and seemed like a
.
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The boss switches between vastly different personalities, so he is volatile or mercurial. When he is dismissing them with short answers, he is being a "misanthrope," not a "dolt," which implies he is stupid, or a "hypochondriac," which means he is paranoid about his health.
The boss switches between vastly different personalities, so he is volatile or mercurial. When he is dismissing them with short answers, he is being a "misanthrope," not a "dolt," which implies he is stupid, or a "hypochondriac," which means he is paranoid about his health.
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Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
The young street fighter’s attitude matched his demeanor in the fighting ring; it was quite and could leave cutting psychological wounds as damaging as any physical .
Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
The young street fighter’s attitude matched his demeanor in the fighting ring; it was quite and could leave cutting psychological wounds as damaging as any physical .
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Do not be tempted by "bombastic . . . trauma" or "fanatical . . . blow." The key thing to note is the similarity of the fighter's demeanor in and out of the ring. The word "pugnacious" comes from the Latin pugnare, "to fight." Someone who is "pugnacious" is quick to argue or has the appearance of a fighter. A related word is "pugilist," which means a boxer.
Do not be tempted by "bombastic . . . trauma" or "fanatical . . . blow." The key thing to note is the similarity of the fighter's demeanor in and out of the ring. The word "pugnacious" comes from the Latin pugnare, "to fight." Someone who is "pugnacious" is quick to argue or has the appearance of a fighter. A related word is "pugilist," which means a boxer.
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The text's meaning was so that no could make it truly understandable.
The text's meaning was so that no could make it truly understandable.
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The "text's meaning" is difficult to understand, even with some effort, as represented in the second blank. "Obscure," meaning difficult to understand, and "exegesis," meaning a lengthy analysis and interpretation, form the correct answer.
The "text's meaning" is difficult to understand, even with some effort, as represented in the second blank. "Obscure," meaning difficult to understand, and "exegesis," meaning a lengthy analysis and interpretation, form the correct answer.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Although the politican contested the claims as pure , the journalist guaranteed they were .
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Although the politican contested the claims as pure , the journalist guaranteed they were .
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The word "although" offers a clue that the words that go in the blanks are opposing words; "calumny" (a misrepresentation meaning to harm one's reputation) and "indubitable" (too evident to be doubted) are the best fit.
The word "although" offers a clue that the words that go in the blanks are opposing words; "calumny" (a misrepresentation meaning to harm one's reputation) and "indubitable" (too evident to be doubted) are the best fit.
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Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
Sarah tried to attract Jason’s attention with flattery and other , but his façade of disinterest remained .
Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
Sarah tried to attract Jason’s attention with flattery and other , but his façade of disinterest remained .
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The first word has to be a synonym for "flattery." "Gaffes" are mistakes, "opprobriums" are criticisms, and "libations" are drinks; only "compliments" and "blandishments" might fit. The second word has to indicate that Jason is not responding to the flattery; his face remains unchanged. "Recondite" means obscure or arcane, while "imperturbable" means unable to be disturbed. "Blandishments . . . imperturbable" is the best answer.
The first word has to be a synonym for "flattery." "Gaffes" are mistakes, "opprobriums" are criticisms, and "libations" are drinks; only "compliments" and "blandishments" might fit. The second word has to indicate that Jason is not responding to the flattery; his face remains unchanged. "Recondite" means obscure or arcane, while "imperturbable" means unable to be disturbed. "Blandishments . . . imperturbable" is the best answer.
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Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
Suzy thought Kevin would prove to be , but she discovered instead that his behavior was such a model of that he could never be considered a spendthrift.
Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted into the sentence, best completes the sentence.
Suzy thought Kevin would prove to be , but she discovered instead that his behavior was such a model of that he could never be considered a spendthrift.
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The sentence is about Kevin's perceived spending habits. Suzy expects something about him, but discovers the opposite to be true, where the truth is "he could never be considered a spendthrift." This indicates that she expected him to be wasteful but found that expectation to be wrong, so the two words have to be opposites, with the first meaning something like wasteful, and the second meaning something like careful or thrifty.
The only two words that mean something like wasteful are "profligate" and "prodigal." "Abstemious" is more like the opposite of wasteful; it means abstaining from vices. "Perfidious" means evil or dangerous, and "salubrious" means beneficial or fortunate, so those are out.
The second word needs to mean the opposite of spendthrift. "Piety" is the quality of being religious and says nothing about a person's spending habits, so the correct answer is "prodigal . . . frugality."
The sentence is about Kevin's perceived spending habits. Suzy expects something about him, but discovers the opposite to be true, where the truth is "he could never be considered a spendthrift." This indicates that she expected him to be wasteful but found that expectation to be wrong, so the two words have to be opposites, with the first meaning something like wasteful, and the second meaning something like careful or thrifty.
The only two words that mean something like wasteful are "profligate" and "prodigal." "Abstemious" is more like the opposite of wasteful; it means abstaining from vices. "Perfidious" means evil or dangerous, and "salubrious" means beneficial or fortunate, so those are out.
The second word needs to mean the opposite of spendthrift. "Piety" is the quality of being religious and says nothing about a person's spending habits, so the correct answer is "prodigal . . . frugality."
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