GRE General TestVerbal ReasoningMedium
While the initial public reception to the new municipal park was largely positive, with many praising its innovative design and green spaces, some critics remained ______ about its long-term sustainability, citing concerns over maintenance costs and potential overuse.
- Adubious
- Beager
- Csanguine
- Doptimistic
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. dubious
The sentence presents a contrast: positive public reception versus critics' concerns about 'long-term sustainability' due to 'maintenance costs and potential overuse'. Therefore, the critics would be skeptical or doubtful. 'Dubious' accurately conveys this skepticism.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 'Eager' means keen or enthusiastic, which contradicts the negative concerns.
- C. 'Sanguine' means cheerfully optimistic, which contradicts the critics' concerns.
- D. 'Optimistic' means hopeful and confident about the future, which is the opposite of the critics' stance.
Sentence Equivalence: Contrast
Identifying two words that, when inserted into a blank, create sentences with similar meanings, often signaled by contrast indicators.
- Look for words that oppose a previously stated idea.
- Both chosen words must convey a similar nuance.
- Context clues are crucial for determining the relationship.
Memory trick: Find the twin words that tell the same story!