GRE Advanced Vocabulary in Context Questions 2

Question 1

In context: 'Despite his ______ demeanor at meetings, he was privately wracked by self-doubt.' Which word best completes the sentence?

Accepted Answer

sanguine

Answer

'Sanguine' means cheerfully optimistic, contrasting with private self-doubt.

Question 2

The critic's review was so ______ that even the author's admirers winced at its harshness.

Accepted Answer

scathing

Answer

'Scathing' means severely critical, matching the harshness described.

Question 3

Which word means 'tending to keep apart from others; reserved'?

Accepted Answer

aloof

Answer

'Aloof' describes someone distant or reserved.

Question 4

'The senator's ______ remarks pleased no one, as she refused to commit to either side.' Best fit?

Accepted Answer

equivocal

Answer

'Equivocal' means deliberately ambiguous or noncommittal.

Question 5

A speech that is 'bombastic' is best described as:

Accepted Answer

pompous and inflated

Answer

'Bombastic' means high-sounding but with little meaning; inflated.

GRE Practice Test