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The tenor of the virtual forum grew so acrimonious that several contri
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30 Mar 2026, 00:03
30 Mar 2026, 00:03
Expert Reply
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Question Stats:
89% (00:59) correct
10% (00:58) wrong based on 19 sessions
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The tenor of the virtual forum grew so acrimonious that several contributors hesitated to engage with the interface, dreading the inevitable encounter with a subsequent ________ from their peers.
| Two Answers |
|---|
| A. bromide |
| B. diatribe |
| C. tirade | D. encomium | E. paean |
| F. exposition |
- Part of the project: GRE Hard and Tricky Verbal Practice: NEW Questions Daily
- Also replying to the unanswered questions
Re: The tenor of the virtual forum grew so acrimonious that several contri
[#permalink]
01 Apr 2026, 01:04
01 Apr 2026, 01:04
1
The tenor of the virtual forum grew so acrimonious that several contributors hesitated to engage with the interface, dreading the inevitable encounter with a subsequent ________ from their peers.
The words and phrases "acrimonious", "hesitated to engage" indicate the negative atmospherics in the virtual forum. And they were also "dreading the inevitable encounter", which indicates that they were expecting something very negative (such as an invective) from their peers. The correct words for the blank are diatribe and tirade.
The words and phrases "acrimonious", "hesitated to engage" indicate the negative atmospherics in the virtual forum. And they were also "dreading the inevitable encounter", which indicates that they were expecting something very negative (such as an invective) from their peers. The correct words for the blank are diatribe and tirade.
Re: The tenor of the virtual forum grew so acrimonious that several contri
[#permalink]
03 Apr 2026, 04:00
03 Apr 2026, 04:00
Expert Reply
1. The Logic Structure:
The sentence uses a Cause and Effect structure (indicated by "so... that").
- The Cause: The discussion is "acrimonious" (angry and bitter) and "ferocious."
- The Effect: Participants are afraid.
- The Goal: We need two words that describe a verbal attack or a long, angry speech that would logically follow a ferocious and acrimonious environment.
2. Identifying the Clue:
The word acrimonious is the primary driver. If a discussion is ferocious, you aren't afraid of a boring statement or a compliment; you are afraid of being yelled at or attacked.
3. Evaluating the Choices:
- A. bromide: (Distractor) A trite or commonplace remark (similar to platitude). While boring, it doesn't fit the "ferocious" context.
- B. diatribe: (Correct) A forceful and bitter verbal attack. This perfectly matches the "fear" and "ferociousness" of the prompt.
- C. tirade: (Correct) A long, angry speech of criticism or accusation. This is a direct synonym for diatribe in this context.
- D. encomium: (Opposite) A speech or piece of writing that praises someone highly (similar to panegyric).
- E. paean: (Opposite) A song of praise or triumph (similar to eulogy or panegyric).
- F. exposition: (Neutral Trap) A comprehensive description and explanation of an idea or theory (similar to disquisition). While it's a type of writing, it lacks the "ferocious" tone required.
The Synonymous Pair:
The pair diatribe (B) and tirade (C) function as perfect equivalents. Both describe the aggressive, lengthy verbal assaults that would make a participant "reluctant to continue logging in."
The sentence uses a Cause and Effect structure (indicated by "so... that").
- The Cause: The discussion is "acrimonious" (angry and bitter) and "ferocious."
- The Effect: Participants are afraid.
- The Goal: We need two words that describe a verbal attack or a long, angry speech that would logically follow a ferocious and acrimonious environment.
2. Identifying the Clue:
The word acrimonious is the primary driver. If a discussion is ferocious, you aren't afraid of a boring statement or a compliment; you are afraid of being yelled at or attacked.
3. Evaluating the Choices:
- A. bromide: (Distractor) A trite or commonplace remark (similar to platitude). While boring, it doesn't fit the "ferocious" context.
- B. diatribe: (Correct) A forceful and bitter verbal attack. This perfectly matches the "fear" and "ferociousness" of the prompt.
- C. tirade: (Correct) A long, angry speech of criticism or accusation. This is a direct synonym for diatribe in this context.
- D. encomium: (Opposite) A speech or piece of writing that praises someone highly (similar to panegyric).
- E. paean: (Opposite) A song of praise or triumph (similar to eulogy or panegyric).
- F. exposition: (Neutral Trap) A comprehensive description and explanation of an idea or theory (similar to disquisition). While it's a type of writing, it lacks the "ferocious" tone required.
The Synonymous Pair:
The pair diatribe (B) and tirade (C) function as perfect equivalents. Both describe the aggressive, lengthy verbal assaults that would make a participant "reluctant to continue logging in."
