Verbs and Adjectives or Adverbs in Two-Blank Texts - GRE Verbal
Card 1 of 714
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Many years of working as a financier Byron’s standing in many social circles. Given his seemingly wealth, he could entertain large gatherings of guests every weekend at his mansion without any risk of spending all of his money.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Many years of working as a financier Byron’s standing in many social circles. Given his seemingly wealth, he could entertain large gatherings of guests every weekend at his mansion without any risk of spending all of his money.
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The idea is that Byron's wealth helped to increase his social standing. The word "aggrandize" means "to make larger." Clearly, it has the root "-grand" in it. The prefix "ag-" is a form of "ad-", meaning "to or toward." To "aggrandize" is to make something "go toward" being larger (or, grander) than it already is.
The wealth itself seems to be endless. It is appropriate to describe it as being seemingly inexhaustible. To exhaust something is to use up that thing. Hence, we use the word "exhausted" to describe the physical state of being tired after exertion. The word is used in the sense of meaning having used up all of one's energy.
The idea is that Byron's wealth helped to increase his social standing. The word "aggrandize" means "to make larger." Clearly, it has the root "-grand" in it. The prefix "ag-" is a form of "ad-", meaning "to or toward." To "aggrandize" is to make something "go toward" being larger (or, grander) than it already is.
The wealth itself seems to be endless. It is appropriate to describe it as being seemingly inexhaustible. To exhaust something is to use up that thing. Hence, we use the word "exhausted" to describe the physical state of being tired after exertion. The word is used in the sense of meaning having used up all of one's energy.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
As the wallpaper finally began to come of the wall, Todd’s hope was , for he finally began to think that the task was not .
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
As the wallpaper finally began to come of the wall, Todd’s hope was , for he finally began to think that the task was not .
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The implication of the sentence is that Todd's hope increased as the wallpaper finally came off the wall. Whenever we bolster something, we support it. The word can be used in a physical sense, as when something helps to support part of a physical structure. It can also be used in an extended sense to speak of any such "supporting" or "strengthening"—as when Todd's hope was bolstered by the favorable turn of events.
As regards the second blank, it seems that Todd had thought the task was impossible. This would be an "insuperable" task. This word uses the "in-" prefix in a privative sense, meaning not. Something that is "insuperable" is something that cannot be overcome.
The implication of the sentence is that Todd's hope increased as the wallpaper finally came off the wall. Whenever we bolster something, we support it. The word can be used in a physical sense, as when something helps to support part of a physical structure. It can also be used in an extended sense to speak of any such "supporting" or "strengthening"—as when Todd's hope was bolstered by the favorable turn of events.
As regards the second blank, it seems that Todd had thought the task was impossible. This would be an "insuperable" task. This word uses the "in-" prefix in a privative sense, meaning not. Something that is "insuperable" is something that cannot be overcome.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Instead of waiting for mice to enter the house that winter, Thomas decided that he should act , preparing numerous traps to the small creatures before they even entered the house.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Instead of waiting for mice to enter the house that winter, Thomas decided that he should act , preparing numerous traps to the small creatures before they even entered the house.
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The first blank expresses a contrast to the action of waiting. Instead of waiting for the mice to enter his house, Thomas is going to take preventive actions. It is better to choose a word like "preventive" than options like "aggressively" or "forcefully", as we really do not have evidence of such implied force. The closest wrong option is "defensively", but "preventively" expresses the idea taking an active role in a slightly clearer manner.
Likewise, with regard to the snares, we really don't know if Thomas is going to slay (etc.) the mice. Really, all that indicated is that he plans to trap them. Thus, "snare" is the best word, as it merely means "to trap."
The first blank expresses a contrast to the action of waiting. Instead of waiting for the mice to enter his house, Thomas is going to take preventive actions. It is better to choose a word like "preventive" than options like "aggressively" or "forcefully", as we really do not have evidence of such implied force. The closest wrong option is "defensively", but "preventively" expresses the idea taking an active role in a slightly clearer manner.
Likewise, with regard to the snares, we really don't know if Thomas is going to slay (etc.) the mice. Really, all that indicated is that he plans to trap them. Thus, "snare" is the best word, as it merely means "to trap."
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Although Lee had a generally personality, there came a day when he finally needed to his own concerns.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Although Lee had a generally personality, there came a day when he finally needed to his own concerns.
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The implication of this sentence is that Lee general was other-focused. He needed to at some point pay attention to his own concerns. Therefore, the best description for him is "altruistic." The prefix "atlr-" in this word is related to "alter," meaning other or another. To "attend to" something is to pay attention to that thing. Based on the remarks above, this is clearly what was necessary for Lee to do.
The implication of this sentence is that Lee general was other-focused. He needed to at some point pay attention to his own concerns. Therefore, the best description for him is "altruistic." The prefix "atlr-" in this word is related to "alter," meaning other or another. To "attend to" something is to pay attention to that thing. Based on the remarks above, this is clearly what was necessary for Lee to do.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The philosopher an odd theory about reality, holding that everything was a(n) shadow, ready to fade away at any moment.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The philosopher an odd theory about reality, holding that everything was a(n) shadow, ready to fade away at any moment.
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The philosopher seems to have expressed his or her theory in some manner. It would also be possible to say that he or she held the opinion. None of the options are about the actual having of the opinion. Therefore, it is better to focus on words pertaining to expressing it.
Now, "divulged" and "promulgated" both have to do with expressing something. Divulging something deals with telling private information, and promulgations usually happen in official affairs (or at least with more fanfare than is indicated in this sentence). Thus, the word "propounded" is the best option, as it means expressed for consideration.
As regards reality being a shadow that will pass away, the word "evanescent" describes something that will fade away in this manner. Something that is "evanescent" is something that will not last for a long period of time.
The philosopher seems to have expressed his or her theory in some manner. It would also be possible to say that he or she held the opinion. None of the options are about the actual having of the opinion. Therefore, it is better to focus on words pertaining to expressing it.
Now, "divulged" and "promulgated" both have to do with expressing something. Divulging something deals with telling private information, and promulgations usually happen in official affairs (or at least with more fanfare than is indicated in this sentence). Thus, the word "propounded" is the best option, as it means expressed for consideration.
As regards reality being a shadow that will pass away, the word "evanescent" describes something that will fade away in this manner. Something that is "evanescent" is something that will not last for a long period of time.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
When the gas began to fill the room, all of the inhabitants the premises, fleeing the potentially fumes.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
When the gas began to fill the room, all of the inhabitants the premises, fleeing the potentially fumes.
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For this sentence, stay as close to the clues as possible. A number of the potential answers are a little too specific, so you should not choose them. Instead, note that the inhabitants are fleeing. Therefore, the best option for the first blank is "vacated." This is related to the word "vacuum," which describes a space in which there is nothing whatsoever. Whenever an area is "vacated," everything is taken out of it (especially people). The fumes are apparently dangerous, though we do not know how. The word "pernicious" is a good general term for being dangerous, so this is the best option among those provided here.
For this sentence, stay as close to the clues as possible. A number of the potential answers are a little too specific, so you should not choose them. Instead, note that the inhabitants are fleeing. Therefore, the best option for the first blank is "vacated." This is related to the word "vacuum," which describes a space in which there is nothing whatsoever. Whenever an area is "vacated," everything is taken out of it (especially people). The fumes are apparently dangerous, though we do not know how. The word "pernicious" is a good general term for being dangerous, so this is the best option among those provided here.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The young woman ventured through the wilderness without any fear, quickly many miles of territory in a short period of time.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The young woman ventured through the wilderness without any fear, quickly many miles of territory in a short period of time.
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The first blank of this sentence does not necessarily have to do with the woman being masculine in any way whatsoever. It merely expresses the idea that she is courageous. Hence, the only option that is acceptable is "intrepid", meaning without fear. Indeed, it even can indicate an adventurous spirit. (The word "pusillanimous" means timid—quite the opposite!) For the second blank, all we know is that she travelled across many miles. Hence, it is best to stay with the rather direct option, "traversed."
The first blank of this sentence does not necessarily have to do with the woman being masculine in any way whatsoever. It merely expresses the idea that she is courageous. Hence, the only option that is acceptable is "intrepid", meaning without fear. Indeed, it even can indicate an adventurous spirit. (The word "pusillanimous" means timid—quite the opposite!) For the second blank, all we know is that she travelled across many miles. Hence, it is best to stay with the rather direct option, "traversed."
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The old man was surprised that he was quickly after the surgery, having expected that the surgery would weeks of therapy to be able to walk again.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The old man was surprised that he was quickly after the surgery, having expected that the surgery would weeks of therapy to be able to walk again.
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Follow the clues very closely for this sentence. It is said that the old man is able to walk. It is most likely that this state of affairs is what surprised him after his surgery. The word "ambulatory" comes from the Latin ambulare, meaning to walk. An ambulance, which we tend to think of only as a transport, actually is given its name because it is a kind of "walking hospital." To be "ambulatory" means that one is able to walk. The second blank, in its simplest sense, appears to mean require. The word "necessitate" is a good synonym for this.
Follow the clues very closely for this sentence. It is said that the old man is able to walk. It is most likely that this state of affairs is what surprised him after his surgery. The word "ambulatory" comes from the Latin ambulare, meaning to walk. An ambulance, which we tend to think of only as a transport, actually is given its name because it is a kind of "walking hospital." To be "ambulatory" means that one is able to walk. The second blank, in its simplest sense, appears to mean require. The word "necessitate" is a good synonym for this.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The famous and statue led people to consistently the harsh terrain to catch a quick glimpse
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The famous and statue led people to consistently the harsh terrain to catch a quick glimpse
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"Revered" is the option that makes sense, as it matches the adjective directly preceding it. The choice "navigate" is the only verb that makes sense in the context of the harsh terrain.
"Revered" is the option that makes sense, as it matches the adjective directly preceding it. The choice "navigate" is the only verb that makes sense in the context of the harsh terrain.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The hearty meal the hungry teen boys, who were also because they just ran around without drinking any water.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The hearty meal the hungry teen boys, who were also because they just ran around without drinking any water.
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"Satiated" is the proper response because it refers to the action that a big meal gives to hungry boys--making them full. The word "famished" refers to their not having had much water recently.
"Satiated" is the proper response because it refers to the action that a big meal gives to hungry boys--making them full. The word "famished" refers to their not having had much water recently.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The band's outfit choice was by the media for its fresh, innovative appeal, while their songs, released yesterday, were bashed
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The band's outfit choice was by the media for its fresh, innovative appeal, while their songs, released yesterday, were bashed
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The word "praised" makes sense because it matches the positive descriptors of the outfit that follows later in the sentence; "latest" makes sense as an adjective because the next phrase, "released yesterday" gives evidence of the recent nature of the songs
The word "praised" makes sense because it matches the positive descriptors of the outfit that follows later in the sentence; "latest" makes sense as an adjective because the next phrase, "released yesterday" gives evidence of the recent nature of the songs
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Stopping at the traffic light, the old woman, frustrated by the traffic, rolled down her window and the young driver for his loud music.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Stopping at the traffic light, the old woman, frustrated by the traffic, rolled down her window and the young driver for his loud music.
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The modifier "cantankerous" applies to the woman's demeanor, with "frustration" providing a clue. The word "berated" works due to context--none of the other verbs are transitive and can operate without a conjunction besides this option and "undermined", which doesn't make sense.
The modifier "cantankerous" applies to the woman's demeanor, with "frustration" providing a clue. The word "berated" works due to context--none of the other verbs are transitive and can operate without a conjunction besides this option and "undermined", which doesn't make sense.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Subject to extreme fines, the jaywalker immediately to the sidewalk to avoid the glances of the police, desperate to hand out tickets
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Subject to extreme fines, the jaywalker immediately to the sidewalk to avoid the glances of the police, desperate to hand out tickets
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"Bolted" is suggested by the fines that the jaywalker would incur and the desire to avoid them. "Dogged" refers to the effort of the desperate police trying to give out tickets
"Bolted" is suggested by the fines that the jaywalker would incur and the desire to avoid them. "Dogged" refers to the effort of the desperate police trying to give out tickets
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
"Do not do that!" yelled the angry mother, who proceeded to her child for acting to the nice cashier
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
"Do not do that!" yelled the angry mother, who proceeded to her child for acting to the nice cashier
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"Admonish" is one of the only choices that makes sense, along with "scold", echoing the sentiment from the harsh words at the beginning of the sentence. "Rudely" solidifies "admonish" as the only choice, as "kindly" does not fit
"Admonish" is one of the only choices that makes sense, along with "scold", echoing the sentiment from the harsh words at the beginning of the sentence. "Rudely" solidifies "admonish" as the only choice, as "kindly" does not fit
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Seldom does the woman say nice things-most people expect only meanness-but today, she the community into her home and apologized for her previous unkindness.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Seldom does the woman say nice things-most people expect only meanness-but today, she the community into her home and apologized for her previous unkindness.
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"Churlish" describes the demeanor of the woman who only does unkind things. "Welcomed" is the only verb that works to describe the bringing together of the community.
"Churlish" describes the demeanor of the woman who only does unkind things. "Welcomed" is the only verb that works to describe the bringing together of the community.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The woman, not phased by anything, took a running leap at the tiger, who similarly no mortal.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The woman, not phased by anything, took a running leap at the tiger, who similarly no mortal.
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"Brave" works because it frames the actions of the woman running towards a tiger; "feared" works as well, because it is set up in the sentence as the emotion that both the tiger and the woman are both supposed to lack.
"Brave" works because it frames the actions of the woman running towards a tiger; "feared" works as well, because it is set up in the sentence as the emotion that both the tiger and the woman are both supposed to lack.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
He was to confess that his favorite color was pink and his favorite thing to do was play with kittens. He was often by his sister, who rode motorcycles and repaired cars on the weekends.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
He was to confess that his favorite color was pink and his favorite thing to do was play with kittens. He was often by his sister, who rode motorcycles and repaired cars on the weekends.
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At first glance, “mortified . . . censured” might seem like a good fit, but note that “censure,” which means to chastise, does not work as well as “emasculated,” which means to make less manly. It is implied that he feels less manly; maybe his sister criticizes him for it, or maybe she does not. “Abashed . . . emasculated” form the only correct answer.
At first glance, “mortified . . . censured” might seem like a good fit, but note that “censure,” which means to chastise, does not work as well as “emasculated,” which means to make less manly. It is implied that he feels less manly; maybe his sister criticizes him for it, or maybe she does not. “Abashed . . . emasculated” form the only correct answer.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The sudden sandstorm the football game and sent the crowds scampering to their vehicles. Later, the final touchdown was called into question, and it became as to who actually won the game.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The sudden sandstorm the football game and sent the crowds scampering to their vehicles. Later, the final touchdown was called into question, and it became as to who actually won the game.
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“Exculpate” means to find not guilty, so this choice would not work given the context. “Rankle” means to aggravate, which is also not quite right. “Abbreviate” means to shorten, and this can apply to sporting events. “Dubious” means doubtful. Together, these two form the correct choice.
“Exculpate” means to find not guilty, so this choice would not work given the context. “Rankle” means to aggravate, which is also not quite right. “Abbreviate” means to shorten, and this can apply to sporting events. “Dubious” means doubtful. Together, these two form the correct choice.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
For all their visionary talk, developed countries are . They have their responsibilities to the environment, leaving no one left to look after this planet’s welfare.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
For all their visionary talk, developed countries are . They have their responsibilities to the environment, leaving no one left to look after this planet’s welfare.
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The first blank is a sentence shift: We can assume that the word has an opposing meaning to “visionary talk.” “Myopic” means shortsighted and is an extremely good fit. “Abnegate” and “abdicate” are very similar. Both mean to give up some position of power or responsibility, but “abdicate” is usually reserved for higher positions, such as a king or ruler. “Myopic . . . abnegated” is the correct response.
The first blank is a sentence shift: We can assume that the word has an opposing meaning to “visionary talk.” “Myopic” means shortsighted and is an extremely good fit. “Abnegate” and “abdicate” are very similar. Both mean to give up some position of power or responsibility, but “abdicate” is usually reserved for higher positions, such as a king or ruler. “Myopic . . . abnegated” is the correct response.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Whether these clinical trials are indeed safe remains . Steps have been taken to minimize risk but, after the latest fiasco, many are calling for the trials to be altogether .
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Whether these clinical trials are indeed safe remains . Steps have been taken to minimize risk but, after the latest fiasco, many are calling for the trials to be altogether .
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To be “amenable” to a thing means you are willing to go along with it, which is not the definition we need in the first blank. For the second blank, we are looking for a word that warrants a proper response to “the latest fiasco.” Thus, “redressed” and “amended” will not suffice. “Ambiguous . . . abolished” is the correct answer.
To be “amenable” to a thing means you are willing to go along with it, which is not the definition we need in the first blank. For the second blank, we are looking for a word that warrants a proper response to “the latest fiasco.” Thus, “redressed” and “amended” will not suffice. “Ambiguous . . . abolished” is the correct answer.
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