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Gre Verbal – Quiz 1
Gre Verbal Quiz 1 (27 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the skill of recognizing antonyms and understanding their contextual usage, as well as distinguishing between synonyms and antonyms for financial terms. It also assesses critical reading and comprehension skills, including the ability to understand context to determine appropriate adjectives and sentence structure.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
What is the meaning of 'ephemeral'?
A) Lasting for a very short time.
B) Stable and unchanging.
C) Quickly changing.
D) Permanent for a long time.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The term 'ephemeral' refers to something that lasts for a very short time, making Option A the correct answer.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Ephemeral means lasting for a brief period.
Option B:
Incorrect. Stable and unchanging does not describe ephemeral.
Option C:
Incorrect. Quickly changing implies frequent change, not short duration.
Option D:
Incorrect. Permanent for a long time is the opposite of ephemeral.
2.
What is the meaning of 'exacerbate'?
A) To maintain.
B) To make something worse.
C) To improve.
D) To enhance.
Show Answer
Explanations:
To exacerbate means to make something worse or to intensify a negative condition.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
To maintain - Incorrect, as 'exacerbate' does not imply keeping something the same.
Option B:
To make something worse - Correct. This is the accurate definition of exacerbate.
Option C:
To improve - Incorrect, as it suggests a positive outcome which contradicts 'exacerbate'.
Option D:
To enhance - Incorrect, as enhancing implies making something better or stronger, not worse.
3.
Even though they have the power to create any outlandish situations they can imagine, fantasy writers often set themselves very strict rules and guidelines for what is possible in their stories. Without doing so, their work will lack any ..... of reality and be nearly impossible for readers to accept.
A) Participation.
B) Moral.
C) Implement.
D) Semblance.
E) Hierarchy.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Semblance.
The term "semblance" means a semblance of, which in this context refers to the appearance or semblance of reality that the story must maintain for readers to accept it. Without strict rules, fantasy stories can become too unrealistic and lose their credibility.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Participation - Incorrect. This term does not fit the context of maintaining a sense of reality in storytelling.
Option B:
Moral - Incorrect. The question is about realism, not the moral or ethical aspects of the story.
Option C:
Implement - Incorrect. This word means to put into effect, which does not fit the context of reality in storytelling.
Option D:
Semblance - Correct. It refers to the appearance or semblance of reality that stories need to maintain for readers' acceptance.
Option E:
Hierarchy - Incorrect. This term relates to a system of ranking, which is not relevant here.
4.
Fill in the blank:The ..... of the novel left the readers in suspense.
A) Prologue.
B) Epilogue.
C) Resolution.
D) Climax.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The climax of the novel left the readers in suspense because it is the point of highest tension and interest, often creating a sense of anticipation for what will happen next.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Prologue - Introduces the story but does not typically create suspense.
Option B:
Epilogue - Concludes the story and resolves conflicts, not creating new suspense.
Option C:
Resolution - Resolves the main conflict and provides closure, ending any suspense.
Option D:
Climax - The peak of the plot where tension is at its highest, often leaving readers in suspense for what follows.
5.
What is the synonym of 'alleviate'?
A) Intensify.
B) Worsen.
C) Ease.
D) Complicate.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The synonym of 'alleviate' is
Option C: Ease.
To alleviate means to lessen or reduce the severity of a problem, pain, or discomfort. 'Ease,' similarly, refers to making something less difficult or burdensome.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Intensify - This means to make stronger, more severe, or more intense, which is opposite to the meaning of alleviate.
Option B:
Worsen - This means to make worse or deteriorate, also contrary to alleviating something.
Option C:
Ease - Correct. It means to make less difficult or burdensome, aligning with the definition of alleviate.
Option D:
Complicate - This means to make more complex or difficult, which is not synonymous with alleviating something.
6.
This composer has never courted popularity:her rugged modernism seems to defy rather than to ..... the audience
A) Woo.
B) Cow.
C) Discount.
D) Teach.
E) Ignore.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Woo.
The phrase "defy rather than to woo the audience" means that the composer's modernism does not attempt to attract or charm the audience, but instead resists their expectations. This aligns with the context of the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Defies and woos are antonyms in this context.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Cow" means to intimidate or subdue, which does not fit the context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Discount" means to reduce the value of something, which is unrelated here.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Teach" implies instruction, which contradicts the idea of defying expectations.
Option E:
Incorrect. "Ignore" would mean not paying attention, but the sentence suggests a more active defiance rather than mere ignoring.
7.
Choose the word that is most similar in meaning to 'ubiquitous':a) rare b) common c) unique d) sporadic
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word 'ubiquitous' means being present everywhere, especially at all times and in all places. Option B, "common," is the most similar in meaning because it also implies widespread presence or frequent occurrence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
rare - opposite of ubiquitous; not common.
Option B:
common - present everywhere and frequently occurring, aligns with ubiquitous.
Option C:
unique - distinct or one-of-a-kind, does not match ubiquitous.
Option D:
sporadic - occurring at irregular intervals, opposite of ubiquitous.
8.
In searching for norms in the sense of authoritative standards of what ought to be, rather than in the sense of what is average and thus can be considered normal, normative ethics aims to .....
A) Personalize.
B) Question.
C) Predict.
D) Mitigate.
E) Dictate.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Normative ethics aims to dictate authoritative standards of what ought to be, as opposed to descriptive ethics which deals with what is average and thus normal. The term "dictate" accurately captures the prescriptive nature of normative ethics in establishing moral norms.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Personalize - This option does not fit because personalization refers to making something individual or specific, which is not the primary goal of normative ethics.
Option B:
Question - While questioning can be part of ethical inquiry, it is not the main purpose of normative ethics in establishing what ought to be.
Option C:
Predict - Prediction involves forecasting outcomes or behaviors, which is unrelated to the establishment of moral norms by normative ethics.
Option D:
Mitigate - Mitigation refers to reducing negative effects, which does not align with the core purpose of normative ethics in setting standards for what ought to be.
Option E:
Dictate - This is correct as it accurately describes the role of normative ethics in establishing authoritative moral standards.
9.
The sight of a single actor portraying several characters in the same scene is no longer a shock to the average moviegoer, such special-effects trickery having become so .....
A) Sinister.
B) Expensive.
C) Unreliable.
D) Commonplace.
E) Specialized.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence describes a shift in perception regarding the use of an actor portraying multiple characters, indicating that this technique is now widely accepted and expected by audiences. The word "become" suggests a change from something rare to common. Therefore, "Commonplace" (Option D) fits best as it conveys the idea that such special-effects trickery is no longer unusual or shocking.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Sinister - This implies a negative or evil connotation, which does not fit the context of becoming more accepted.
Option B:
Expensive - The sentence focuses on acceptance rather than cost.
Option C:
Unreliable - This suggests inconsistency in quality, which is not relevant to audience perception.
Option D:
Commonplace - Correct. It indicates that the technique has become widely accepted and expected by audiences.
Option E:
Specialized - This implies a narrow or specific application, which contradicts the idea of widespread acceptance.
10.
In the sentence 'The teacher's lectures were so ..... that the students fell asleep', what word best fits the blank?
A) Exciting.
B) Interesting.
C) Boring.
D) Engaging.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence describes a situation where the students fell asleep during the teacher's lectures, indicating that the lectures were unengaging and not stimulating enough to keep the students awake. Therefore, "boring" (Option C) is the most appropriate word to fill in the blank.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Exciting - This would imply the lectures were engaging and interesting, which contradicts the fact that the students fell asleep.
Option B:
Interesting - Similar to "exciting," this suggests engagement rather than a lack of interest leading to sleepiness.
Option C:
Boring - This accurately describes lectures so unengaging that they caused the students to fall asleep, making it the correct choice.
Option D:
Engaging - This would imply the opposite of what is described in the sentence, as engaging content typically keeps students awake and attentive.
11.
Early studies often concluded that the public was ..... the propagandistic influence of mass communications, but one recent study indicates that, on the contrary, mass communications seldom produce marked changes in social attitudes or actions.
A) Unimpressed by.
B) Scornful of.
C) Susceptible to.
D) Unaware of.
E) Coping with.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is C) Susceptible to. The phrase "susceptible to" means easily influenced, which aligns with the context of early studies concluding that the public was easily affected by propaganda from mass communications. However, the recent study suggests otherwise, indicating that the public is not as easily influenced.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Unimpressed by - This implies a lack of interest or indifference, which does not fit the context of being influenced by propaganda.
Option B:
Scornful of - This means showing contempt or disdain, which is not relevant to the influence of mass communications on social attitudes.
Option C:
Susceptible to - Correct. It indicates that early studies believed the public was easily influenced by propaganda from mass communications.
Option D:
Unaware of - This suggests a lack of knowledge, which is not the same as being influenced or affected by something.
Option E:
Coping with - This implies dealing with or managing a situation, which does not fit the context of influence from mass communications.
12.
Choose the word that is most similar in meaning to 'ephemeral':a) lasting b) eternal c) temporary d) permanent
A) Enduring.
B) Infinite.
C) Everlasting.
D) Temporary.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "ephemeral" means lasting for a very short time, often referring to something that is temporary and fleeting. Therefore, the correct answer is
D) Temporary.
This option aligns with the meaning of "ephemeral," as it also describes something that exists or lasts only briefly.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Enduring - means lasting a long time; opposite of ephemeral.
Option B:
Infinite - means without end, endless; not related to the short duration implied by "ephemeral."
Option C:
Everlasting - means existing for an infinite period or for what seems like an infinite time; also opposite of ephemeral.
Option D:
Temporary - means lasting only for a limited time, which matches the meaning of "ephemeral."
13.
Complete the analogy:Happy is to joyful as sad is to .....
A) Gloomy.
B) Mournful.
C) Content.
D) Cheerful.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The analogy "Happy is to joyful as sad is to" requires finding a word that describes the emotional state opposite of joy, which is sadness. "Mournful" accurately captures this, as it conveys feelings associated with grief and sorrow, directly corresponding to the emotional state of being sad.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Gloomy - Describes a dark or depressing atmosphere but not specifically an emotion.
Option B:
Mournful - Correctly describes feelings associated with sadness and grief, matching the analogy.
Option C:
Content - Indicates satisfaction or happiness, which is opposite to what we are looking for in this analogy.
Option D:
Cheerful - Describes a positive emotional state, not an emotion associated with sadness.
14.
In the sentence 'The artist's work was so ..... that it moved everyone who saw it', what word best fits the blank?
A) Exciting.
B) Dull.
C) Boring.
D) Captivating.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "captivating" best fits the blank because it means deeply engaging and fascinating, which aligns with the idea that the artist's work moved everyone who saw it. This suggests a strong emotional impact and interest.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Exciting - While this can be engaging, it doesn't necessarily imply a deep emotional or lasting impression.
Option B:
Dull - This directly contradicts the sentence's meaning as dull things do not move people.
Option C:
Boring - Similar to "dull," this option does not fit because boring things fail to engage or impress anyone.
Option D:
Captivating - This word perfectly describes something that deeply engages and moves the audience, making it the best choice for the sentence.
15.
Researchers have observed chimpanzees feigning injury in order to influence other members of the group, thus showing that the capacity to ..... is not uniquely human
A) Conspire.
B) Cooperate.
C) Instruct.
D) Dissemble.
E) Dominate.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Dissemble.
This term refers to the act of pretending, which aligns with chimpanzees feigning injury to influence others. The other options do not fit as well: conspire means to plan something secretly; cooperate means to work together; instruct means to give directions or orders; and dominate means to have control over.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Conspire - refers to planning secret actions, not pretending.
Option B:
Cooperate - involves working together, not pretending.
Option C:
Instruct - means giving directions or orders, not pretending.
Option D:
Dissemble - refers to the act of pretending, fitting the context perfectly.
Option E:
Dominate - involves having control over others, not pretending.
16.
Complete the analogy:Fast is to quick as slow is to .....
A) Speedy.
B) Fast.
C) Hasty.
D) Slow.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The analogy "Fast is to quick as slow is to" requires identifying the opposite relationship. Since "fast" and "quick" are synonymous, their opposites should also be synonymous. The correct antonym for both "fast" and "quick" is "slow."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Speedy - Not an exact opposite of slow.
Option B:
Fast - This is the same as the first term, not its opposite.
Option C:
Hasty - While related to quickness, it does not directly oppose slowness in this context.
Option D:
Slow - The correct antonym for both fast and quick.
17.
What is the synonym of 'capitulate'?
A) Surrender.
B) Concede.
C) Resist.
D) Yield.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Capitulate" means to give in, especially to an enemy's demands; it implies a formal and often reluctant surrender. "Surrender," which is the correct answer (Option A), shares this meaning closely, making it a direct synonym.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Surrender" means to give up or yield, aligning with the definition of "capitulate."
Option B:
"Concede" can mean to admit defeat but is not as strong a synonym for "capitulate." It often implies acknowledging something reluctantly rather than formally giving in.
Option C:
"Resist" means to oppose or fight against, which is the opposite of what "capitulate" and "surrender" imply.
Option D:
"Yield" can mean to give way under pressure but does not fully capture the formal nature implied by "capitulate." It can also be used in contexts other than giving up a fight or battle, making it less precise as a synonym here.
18.
Fill in the blank:The ..... of the situation was evident to all.
A) Complexity.
B) Gravity.
C) Intensity.
D) Magnitude.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "Gravity" (Option B) is the correct answer because it implies that the situation was serious and important, which aligns well with the phrase "evident to all." This suggests a significant matter that everyone could easily recognize or understand.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Complexity - While this can describe a situation, it doesn't convey the sense of seriousness and immediacy implied by "Gravity."
Option B:
Gravity - This word effectively conveys that the situation was serious and important, making it evident to everyone.
Option C:
Intensity - Although this can describe a strong feeling or action, it doesn't necessarily imply the seriousness of "Gravity."
Option D:
Magnitude - This term refers to size or extent but might not capture the sense of importance and immediacy as well as "Gravity" does.
19.
What is the synonym of 'abate'?
A) Decrease.
B) Intensify.
C) Increase.
D) Escalate.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word 'abate' means to diminish, decrease, or lessen in intensity or amount. Therefore, the synonym of 'abate' is 'decrease'.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Decrease directly corresponds to the meaning of abate.
Option B:
Incorrect. Intensify means to make stronger or more intense, which is opposite to abate.
Option C:
Incorrect. Increase means to grow in size, number, or amount, which contradicts the meaning of abate.
Option D:
Incorrect. Escalate means to increase gradually and intensify, which is not a synonym for abate.
20.
Fill the blank in the way that best completes the text.This composer has never courted popularity:her rugged modernism seems to defy rather than to ..... the audience
A) Teach.
B) Cow.
C) Ignore.
D) Woo.
E) Discount.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Woo.
The phrase "has never courted popularity" suggests that the composer's work does not seek to win over or attract the audience in a conventional way. Instead, her music seems to challenge or resist the audience's expectations, as indicated by "defies rather than to...". Therefore, "woo" fits best because it means to win someone’s affection or approval, and here it implies that the composer's modernism actively resists winning over the audience.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Teach - Does not fit the context of challenging or resisting.
Option B:
Cow - Not a common verb and does not make sense in this context.
Option C:
Ignore - Suggests disinterest, but the composer's work actively challenges rather than simply ignoring the audience.
Option D:
Woo - Fits perfectly as it means to attract or win over, which contrasts with "defies."
Option E:
Discount - Means to refuse to consider something, but does not capture the idea of actively challenging the audience's expectations.
21.
Complete the analogy:Strong is to weak as brave is to .....
A) Fearful.
B) Timid.
C) Cowardly.
D) Scared.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The analogy "Strong is to weak as brave is to..." requires finding a word that contrasts with "brave" in the same way that "weak" contrasts with "strong." The correct answer, "C) Cowardly," fits this pattern because "cowardly" means lacking courage, just as "weak" lacks strength.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Fearful - While related to bravery, it doesn't fully capture the opposite of brave in the same way cowardly does.
Option B:
Timid - Similar to fearful, it's not as precise a contrast to "brave."
Option C:
Cowardly - This word directly contrasts with "brave," making it the correct answer.
Option D:
Scared - Like the others, this is related but doesn't fully capture the opposite of bravery as precisely as "cowardly."
22.
Fill the blank in the way that best completes the text.In searching for norms in the sense of authoritative standards of what ought to be, rather than in sense of what is average and thus can be considered normal, normative ethics aims to .....
A) Dictate.
B) Personalize.
C) Mitigate.
D) Predict.
E) Question.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Normative ethics aims to dictate authoritative standards of what ought to be done, as opposed to descriptive ethics which focuses on what is actually done.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Dictate. This is correct because normative ethics sets out rules and principles that people should follow.
Option B:
Personalize. Normative ethics does not focus on personal preferences or individual cases, but rather on universal standards.
Option C:
Mitigate. This term is more related to reducing the severity of something and is not relevant to normative ethics.
Option D:
Predict. Normative ethics does not predict behaviors; it prescribes them based on moral principles.
Option E:
Question. While questioning can be part of ethical inquiry, normative ethics itself aims at establishing norms rather than just questioning existing ones.
23.
Fill the blank in the way that best completes the text.When she first came to France from Bulgaria, she was hardly the ..... student she later made herself out to be, since she had access to considerable family wealth.
A) Precocious.
B) Ambitious.
C) Naive.
D) Assiduous.
E) Impecunious.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
E) Impecunious.
The term "impecunious" means lacking money, which fits the context of the sentence as it explains why she was not initially portrayed as a wealthy student despite having access to considerable family wealth.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Precocious - meaning early in development; not relevant here.
Option B:
Ambitious - meaning showing great eagerness or willingness to do something; not related to financial status.
Option C:
Naive - meaning lacking experience, wisdom, or judgment; not directly addressing the financial aspect mentioned in the sentence.
Option D:
Assiduous - meaning diligent and persistent; does not fit the context of financial wealth.
Option E:
Impecunious - meaning lacking money, which correctly describes her initial financial status despite family wealth.
24.
The governor exercised tremendous ..... when she kept herself from being drawn into the childish bout of name calling her political opponent attempted to initiate.
A) Insight.
B) Tenacity.
C) Loquaciousness.
D) Vicissitude.
E) Temperance.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "temperance" means self-restraint and moderation, which fits the context of the governor keeping herself from engaging in childish behavior despite her opponent's attempts to provoke her. This demonstrates a controlled and mature response.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Insight refers to understanding or perception, not necessarily restraint.
Option B:
Tenacity means persistence, which doesn't fit the context of self-restraint.
Option C:
Loquaciousness means talkative, unrelated to self-control in this scenario.
Option D:
Vicissitude refers to changes or fluctuations, not applicable here.
Option E:
Temperance correctly describes the governor's controlled behavior despite provocation.
25.
Fill the blank in the way that best completes the text.The media once portrayed the governor as anything but ineffective; they now, however, make her to be the epitome of .....
A) Egoism.
B) Dynamism.
C) Brilliance.
D) Fecklessness.
E) Punctiliousness.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Fecklessness.
The phrase "make her to be the epitome of" suggests a strong contrast with the previous portrayal, indicating that she was previously seen as effective but is now perceived as ineffective. Among the options, "Fecklessness," meaning a lack of effectiveness or energy, best fits this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Egoism - relates to self-interest, not effectiveness.
Option B:
Dynamism - implies energy and activity, opposite of the current portrayal.
Option C:
Brilliance - means great intelligence or skill, also contrary to the new portrayal.
Option D:
Fecklessness - accurately describes a lack of effectiveness, fitting the context.
Option E:
Punctiliousness - refers to strict attention to detail, not related to effectiveness.
26.
Fill the blank in the way that best completes the text.The sight of a single actor portraying several characters in the same scene is no longer a shock to the average moviegoer, such special-effects trickery having become so .....
A) Expensive.
B) Sinister.
C) Specialized.
D) Commonplace.
E) Unreliable.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Commonplace.
The phrase "such special-effects trickery having become so" suggests a shift from being rare and surprising to now being expected and familiar, which aligns with the meaning of "commonplace."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Expensive - This does not fit because the context is about frequency or familiarity rather than cost.
Option B:
Sinister - This implies something dark or evil, which is unrelated to the context of special effects becoming more common.
Option C:
Specialized - This suggests a narrow field of expertise, but the sentence indicates a broader acceptance and use of such techniques.
Option D:
Commonplace - This fits well as it means something that is now ordinary or familiar due to frequent occurrence.
Option E:
Unreliable - This suggests inconsistency in quality, which does not match the context of special effects becoming more accepted and expected.
27.
Fill in the blank:The ..... of the play surprised the audience.
A) Characters.
B) Plot.
C) Twist.
D) Ending.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A
twist
in a play refers to an unexpected turn of events that surprises the audience, making it the correct answer here.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Characters are important but do not necessarily surprise audiences.
Option B:
The plot is the sequence of events in a story and may be expected.
Option C:
Correct, as it describes an unexpected event that surprises the audience.
Option D:
The ending can be predictable or surprising but not always.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of English analogies in GRE verbal preparation?
English analogies are used to test your ability to recognize relationships between words and concepts, enhancing your vocabulary and understanding of language structures. They help improve your verbal reasoning skills by challenging you to think critically about word meanings and their connections.
How does the concept of tone and context apply in GRE verbal questions?
Tone and context are crucial for understanding the meaning and implications of words or phrases. In GRE verbal questions, recognizing these elements helps you choose the most appropriate answer by considering how a word fits within the given context, including its emotional or stylistic impact.
What are some common strategies for dealing with sleep-inducing lectures in GRE verbal preparation?
To stay engaged during challenging or lengthy content, it’s important to actively engage with the material by taking notes, summarizing key points, and testing your understanding through practice questions. Regular breaks and maintaining a structured study schedule can also help maintain focus and retention.
How does self-restraint in response to provocation benefit GRE verbal preparation?
Self-restraint, especially when faced with challenging or frustrating material, helps maintain a calm and focused approach. This is beneficial for GRE verbal preparation as it allows you to carefully analyze questions without rushing into answers, leading to more accurate responses.
What role does seriousness in context play in understanding English vocabulary?
Seriousness in context helps clarify the precise meaning of words, especially when dealing with synonyms and antonyms. Understanding the tone and setting can significantly influence how a word is interpreted, making it easier to distinguish between similar terms based on their usage.