Verbal reasoning sits between English and reasoning, and it is easy to neglect for exactly that reason. Questions cover analogies, classification, series completion, statement and conclusion, statement and assumption, cause and effect, and course of action. Each explanation states the rule that decides between two options that both look reasonable, which is where most marks are dropped in this section.
Ameliorate means to improve (opposite of worse); Exacerbate means to worsen (opposite of better). Both pairs show opposing actions.
Q.22Medium
Quixotic is to Idealism as Pragmatic is to ___?
Answer: B
Quixotic implies impractical idealism; Pragmatic implies practical realism. These are contrasting approaches to reality and problem-solving.
Q.23Medium
Anachronism is to Time as Misnomer is to ___?
Answer: B
Anachronism is something out of place in time; Misnomer is a name that is incorrect or wrongly applied. Both represent categorical misplacements.
Q.24Medium
Perfunctory is to Care as Meticulous is to ___?
Answer: B
Perfunctory means done carelessly without attention; Meticulous means done with great attention to detail. These are opposing attitudes toward work.
Q.25Medium
Munificent is to Generosity as Parsimonious is to ___?
Answer: B
Munificent means characterized by generosity; Parsimonious means characterized by stinginess. Both adjectives describe attitudes toward spending/giving.
Q.26Medium
Incisive is to Clarity as Ambiguous is to ___?
Answer: A
Incisive thinking demonstrates clarity; ambiguous language creates confusion. These represent opposite states of understanding.
Q.27Medium
Obfuscate is to Clarity as Elucidate is to ___?
Answer: B
Obfuscate creates obscurity/reduces clarity; elucidate removes obscurity. They represent opposite processes of understanding.
Q.28Medium
Laudable is to Praise as Deplorable is to ___?
Answer: D
Laudable deserves praise; deplorable deserves criticism, condemnation, and disapproval - all forms of negative judgment.
Ostentatious is to Modesty as Flamboyant is to ___?
Answer: A
Ostentatious behavior lacks modesty; flamboyant behavior lacks restraint. Both represent absence of humble, understated behavior.
Q.31Medium
Sagacious is to Foolishness as Astute is to ___?
Answer: B
Sagacious (wise) avoids foolishness; astute (clever) avoids stupidity. Both adjectives represent intellectual superiority over their opposites.
Q.32Medium
Fortuitous is to Planning as Serendipitous is to ___?
Answer: C
Fortuitous events happen by chance, not planning; serendipitous events happen by luck, not design. Both represent unplanned occurrences.
Q.33Medium
Garrulous is to Silence as Taciturn is to ___?
Answer: D
Garrulous (talkative) is opposite to Silence. Taciturn (quiet, reserved) is opposite to Verbosity (excessive talking).
Q.34Medium
Perspicacious is to Understanding as Obtuse is to ___?
Answer: C
Perspicacious means keen insight/understanding. Obtuse means dull-witted and opposite to acuteness or sharpness of mind.
Q.35Medium
Ameliorate is to Deteriorate as Rectify is to ___?
Answer: C
Ameliorate (to improve) is opposite to Deteriorate (to worsen). Rectify (to correct) is opposite to Aggravate (to make worse).
Q.36Medium
Pragmatic is to Idealistic as Practical is to ___?
Answer: B
Pragmatic (focus on practical outcomes) contrasts with Idealistic (focus on ideals). Practical contrasts with Theoretical (based on concepts rather than experience).
Q.37Medium
Obfuscate is to Clarity as Muddle is to ___?
Answer: C
Obfuscate means to make unclear or obscure. Muddle also means to confuse. Both are opposite to Lucidity (clearness of thought/expression).
Q.38Medium
Pedantic is to Knowledge as Servile is to ___?
Answer: B
Pedantic people excessively emphasize knowledge/learning. Servile people show excessive respect/obedience towards Authority or superiors.
Q.39Medium
Austere is to Luxury as Spartan is to ___?
Answer: C
Austere (severe, rejecting luxury/comfort) is opposite in meaning to Luxury. Spartan (simple, austere lifestyle) is opposite to Indulgence (gratification of desires).
