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The prevailing ethos within the organization is marked by a nearly tot
[#permalink]
08 Apr 2026, 14:39
08 Apr 2026, 14:39
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Expert Reply
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Question Stats:
47% (01:00) correct
52% (01:07) wrong based on 19 sessions
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The prevailing ethos within the organization is marked by a nearly total absence of ________ ; as a result, even the most innocuous interdepartmental liaisons are habitually subverted by a spirit of fractious vituperation.
| Blank (i) |
|---|
| ,A. rancor |
| B. probity |
| C. comity | D. intransigence | E. effrontery |
- Part of the project: GRE Hard and Tricky Verbal Practice: NEW Questions Daily
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Re: The prevailing ethos within the organization is marked by a nearly tot
[#permalink]
11 Apr 2026, 04:00
11 Apr 2026, 04:00
Expert Reply
1. Sentence Structure:
- Subject: The "absence of [Blank]."
- The "Result" Clause: Everything after the semicolon describes the result of that absence.
- The Clue: "Fractious vituperation" (irritable, bitter verbal abuse) and the fact that even "innocuous" (harmless) meetings are "subverted" (undermined).
2. The Logic:
If the result is fighting/abuse, then the thing that is missing (the absence) must be harmony/politeness.
3. Evaluating the Choices:
- A. rancor: (Opposite Trap) Means bitterness or ill will. The company has this; it does not have an absence of it.
- B. probity: (Thematic Trap) Means quality of having strong moral principles; honesty. While good for a company, the clue is about how people talk to each other, not their honesty.
- C. comity: (Correct) Refers to courtesy and considerate behavior toward others. A "total absence of comity" leads perfectly to the "vituperation" described.
- D. intransigence: (Thematic Trap) Means refusal to change one's views. While this causes conflict, it doesn't specifically describe the "lack of courtesy" that prevents vituperation.
- E. effrontery: (Logic Trap) Means insolent or impertinent behavior. This is a form of the hostility mentioned, so there is not an absence of it.
- Subject: The "absence of [Blank]."
- The "Result" Clause: Everything after the semicolon describes the result of that absence.
- The Clue: "Fractious vituperation" (irritable, bitter verbal abuse) and the fact that even "innocuous" (harmless) meetings are "subverted" (undermined).
2. The Logic:
If the result is fighting/abuse, then the thing that is missing (the absence) must be harmony/politeness.
3. Evaluating the Choices:
- A. rancor: (Opposite Trap) Means bitterness or ill will. The company has this; it does not have an absence of it.
- B. probity: (Thematic Trap) Means quality of having strong moral principles; honesty. While good for a company, the clue is about how people talk to each other, not their honesty.
- C. comity: (Correct) Refers to courtesy and considerate behavior toward others. A "total absence of comity" leads perfectly to the "vituperation" described.
- D. intransigence: (Thematic Trap) Means refusal to change one's views. While this causes conflict, it doesn't specifically describe the "lack of courtesy" that prevents vituperation.
- E. effrontery: (Logic Trap) Means insolent or impertinent behavior. This is a form of the hostility mentioned, so there is not an absence of it.
gmatclubot
Re: The prevailing ethos within the organization is marked by a nearly tot [#permalink]
11 Apr 2026, 04:00
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