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The Antonym format is one of four basic ones used for GRE Verbal questions. This page lists key features of GRE Antonyms. It also provides the test directions for this question format, a sample question (along with a tip for answering it), and a detailed analysis of the sample.
GRE Antonyms — Format, Skills Tested, and Test Directions
Here are the key "specs" for GRE Antonyms:HOW MANY: 7 questionsWHERE: In the 30-minute Verbal Ability section, mixed with Sentence Completions, Analogies, and Reading Comprehension sets FORMAT: Multiple-choice (you select one of 5 choices by clicking on an oval) SKILLS TESTED: GRE Antonyms are designed to gauge your vocabulary — especially to recognize subtle distinctions in meaning between words. DIRECTIONS: The following directions will appear on your screen — just before your first Antonym question (and you can access them while tackling any Antonym question by clicking on the HELP button).
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Directions: Select the word or phrase among the five choices that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the word in capital letters. Note: This question might require you to distinguish fine shades of meaning, so you should carefully consider all five choices.
To review these directions for subsequent questions of this type, click on HELP. |
Sample GRE Antonym Question
The following question is typical of GRE Antonyms. This question is moderate in difficulty; about 65% of GRE test testers would select the best answer choice. (You can select an answer choice by clicking on it.)
Quick Tip for Sample Question
If you encounter an unfamiliar word, try to think of a familiar one that contains the same root.
Analysis of Sample Question
You might be familiar with the noun itinerary, which refers to a route or schedule of places to visit. The adjective itinerant describes a person who travels from place to place, especially on a regular route or curcuit. The word motionless is a good antonym. Thus the first answer choice is the best one. Here's an analysis of the other answer choices:
The second answer choice: Is flexible a good antonym of itinerant? No; a flexible person is someone who has the ability to bend, to compromise, or to adapt to change. These charactersitics have little to do with traveling (or not traveling) in a route from place to place. The third answer choice: Is straight a good antonym of itinerant? No; the word straight has nothing to do with the concept of motion from one place to another. The fourth answer choice: Is the phrase completely satisfied a good antonym of itinerant? No; although an itinerant person might appear discontent, or unsatisfied, with remaining in one place, this has nothing to do with the definition of itinerant. The fifth answer choice: Is sensitive a good antonym of itinerant? No; the word sensitive has nothing to do with the concept of motion from one place to another.
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