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.
Garrulous (talkative) is opposite to Silence. Taciturn (quiet, reserved) is opposite to Verbosity (excessive talking).
Q.82Medium
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.83Easy
Castigate is to Praise as Rebuke is to ___?
Answer: B
Castigate and Rebuke are synonymous (to criticize harshly). Their opposites are Praise and Commend (to approve/express admiration).
Q.84Medium
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.85Medium
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.86Medium
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.87Easy
Zealous is to Apathy as Fervent is to ___?
Answer: B
Zealous (showing great energy and enthusiasm) is opposite to Apathy (lack of interest). Fervent (intensely passionate) is opposite to Indifference (lack of concern).
Q.88Easy
Succinct is to Verbosity as Concise is to ___?
Answer: B
Succinct (brief and clear) is opposite to Verbosity (using more words than necessary). Concise is similarly opposite to Wordiness.
Q.89Hard
Ephemeral is to Duration as Evanescent is to ___?
Answer: B
Ephemeral (short-lived) relates to Duration inversely. Evanescent (tending to vanish/fade away) inversely relates to Visibility or the ability to be seen.
Q.90Medium
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.91Medium
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).
Diffident (lacking self-confidence) is opposite to Confidence. Timid (showing lack of courage) is opposite to Boldness or courage.
Q.94Hard
Sordid is to Nobility as Debased is to ___?
Answer: B
Sordid (morally repugnant) is opposite to Nobility (virtue, high character). Debased (reduced in rank or value) is opposite to Purity (moral excellence).
Q.95Medium
Eloquent is to Expression as Sagacious is to ___?
Answer: D
Eloquent relates to skillful Expression/speech. Sagacious (wise, discerning) relates to sound Judgment or decision-making ability.
Q.96Medium
Torpid is to Activity as Lethargic is to ___?
Answer: C
Torpid (sluggish, inactive) is opposite to Activity (action, movement). Lethargic (lacking energy/enthusiasm) is opposite to Vigor (physical strength and good health).
Q.97Hard
Contumacious is to Rebellion as Insubordinate is to ___?
Answer: B
Contumacious (stubbornly rebellious) exhibits Rebellion. Insubordinate (unwilling to obey) exhibits Disobedience or refusal to follow orders.
Q.98Hard
Prescient is to Foresight as Myopic is to ___?
Answer: D
Prescient (having foresight/ability to predict) possesses Foresight. Myopic (lacking foresight/vision) lacks long-term Perspective or understanding of implications.
Q.99Medium
Obfuscate is to Clarity as Confound is to ___?
Answer: A
Obfuscate means to make unclear, thus removing clarity. Similarly, confound means to perplex or bewilder, removing understanding. The relationship is: verb that obscures/confuses → its opposite state.
Q.100Medium
Profligate is to Restraint as Hedonistic is to ___?
Answer: B
Profligate (wasteful, reckless) lacks restraint. Hedonistic (seeking pleasure) lacks temperance or self-control. Both pairs show a quality that is antithetical to the blank. Temperance (moderation) is the opposite of hedonistic behavior, just as restraint opposes profligacy.
