Campus Recruitment – Verbal Ability – Analogy
Contents
Concepts
In verbal analogies, the student is given one pair of related words. The student must find a pair words from the given choices that has the same relationship to the word as the first pair. Analogy questions test your ability to recognize relationships between words or ideas and to know when these relationships are parallel.
How to Read Analogies: The symbol (:) means ‘is to’ and the symbol (::) means ’as’.
Thus, the analogy, key : lock :: spoon : stir should be read as key is to lock as spoon is to stir.
It means the relationship between key and lock is the same as the relationship between spoon and stir.
Tips for doing Analogies:
1. Try to create a logical relationship between the given pair of words.
2. Eliminate the options that do not have a clear relationship to main word.
3. Don’t assume any answer until you’ve read all of the
choices. ‘
4. If the meaning of the given pair of words is unknown then try to recollect the context in which you have come across those words.
5. Though you don’t know the meanings of given capitalized pair of words, you can still have a chance to find the correct answer using parts of speech.
e.g: falling (v): gravitation (n) apse (v): pressure (n)
Sometimes more than one answer choice will have same parts of speech. You need to be very careful because even though the parts of speech of more than one pair remains same, the words may have different meaning.
6. Eliminate the word pairs that expresses the same relationship as the given question but in the opposite order.
e.g.: eye : see :: hear : ear (incorrect) eye : see : : ear : hear (correct)
The analogy is an area where, with practice, you can achieve a very good score. First, you must find the relationship between the original pair of words. To help you, listed below are some common types of analogies.
Some Common Types of Analogies:
Part to Whole:
e.g.: poem : stanzas :: play : acts
Cause and Effect:
e.g.: joke : laughter :: tragedy : sadness
Oppositeness or Antonyms
e.g.: negligence : carefid :: bravery : cowardice
Measure
e.g.: fahrenheit: temperature :: decibel: sound
Degree:
e.g.: chukle : laugh :: whimper : cry
Thing and what it lacks:
e.g.: atheist: belief:: indigent: money
Study:
e.g.: linguistic : language :: human : anthropology
Function/purpose/use: e.g.: knife : cut:: shovel: dig
Person and skill /tools/ work place: e.g.:author: write :: chef: cook
Qualities or Characteristics: e.g.: president: leads :: captain : directs
The key issue in analogy problems is picking the proper relationship sentence. With analogies, you are looking for similar relationships, not similar meanings. To answer analogy questions, you must first figure out the relationship between the two words in the given question. Then look for the pair of words among the answer choices that has the same relationship.
You can also create your own analogies using the list of common types given above. Creating your own list has the advantage of forcing you to think analogously. You should keep in mind that there must be a reasonable and necessary connection between given two words. The connection must be valid, otherwise there would be no point in making the analogy.
For example, what type of reasonable connection could be there between Bird : Algebra ? (no relation)
On the other hand, there is a reasonable connection between Fish : Salmon since salmon is a type of fish.
All analogies will have connections that are reasonable (logical, valid) and necessary or inevitable. Any choices that fail to meet these criteria should be rejected. Even if you cannot figure out the connection between the original pair of words, you can still improve your chances of picking the correct answer by eliminating any choices that do not confirm to the above rule.
Make a Sentence: Creating a sentence that shows the connection between the two words is absolutely essential.
e.g.: CHOREOGRAPHY: DANCE
a) plot: story
b) string : guitar
c) drill: recitation
d) recital: music
e) valedictory: speech
Explanation: You should form a valid relationship/ bridge between the given capitalized words. And look for a pair in the answer choices with same relationship/ bridge between them. i.e. Choreography is composition of sequences of steps in dance. Here the bridge is ‘x is composition of sequences of steps in y’. Plot is composition of sequences of steps in story. So answer is option-(a). Other choices can be eliminated as this bridge does not fit in any other choice. It is important to make your bridge sentence as precise as possible.
If you have difficulty in figuring out the analogy, perhaps you are using the wrong definition for one of the words.
Conceptual Examples
1) MBBS: DOCTOR
a) MA: Economists
b) B.Sc : Chemists
c) LLB : Lawyers
d) MS : Analysts
Explanation: All people with MBBS degree are called doctors; Similarly all people with LLB degree are called lawyers.
2) ROUND : BANGLE
a) oval: orbit
b) square : napkin
c) rectangle : land
d) cube : box
Explanation: All bangles are round; All boxes are cubes.
3) PEOPLE: HOUSE
a) birds : cages
b) lawyer : court
c) policeman : police Station
d) eskimos : igloos
Explanation: People live in houses; Eskimos live in igloos.
4) PETALS: FLOWER
a) pages : book
b) pen: nib
c) enamel: teeth
d) nail: finger
Explanation: All flowers contain many petals, so do all books contain many pages.
5) WORD: LETTERS
a) nest: Birds
b) molecule: atoms
c) tree : Leaves
d) horse : legs
Explanation: Words contain letters and so do molecules contain atoms.
6) TELEPHONE: CONVERSATION
a) watch : time
b) paint: brush
c) pan: stirring
d) cooker: steaming
Explanation: A Telephone helps us to communicate. Similarly a watch helps us to know the time.
7) SEWING MACHINE : TAILOR
a) watch: tap
b) calculator : calculation
c) diary: binder
d) loom : weaver
Explanation: A toiler uses a sewing machine. Similarly a weaver uses a loom.
8) WIT: COMIC
a) officer: command
b) teacher: instruction
c) fly : pilot
d) voice : orator
Explanation: Wif means humour, intelligence,
cleverness etc. A comic needs enough wit to entertain the people; Similarly an orator needs enough voice to talk.
9) BONES : SKELETON
a) cells : tissue
b) stomach: digestive tract
c) sweat glands : Skin
d) nose : face Explanation: Many bones make up the skeleton; Similarly many cells make up the tissue.
10) HEAT: SUNSTROKE
a) sleeping : tiredness
b) insomnia : depression
c) studying : results
d) reading : blindness
Explanation: Excess heat causes sunstroke and excess insomnia leads to depression, insomnia means sleeplessnes.
Exercice
1) PEP: APATHY
a) punch: smooth
b) Sympathy : empathy
c) punishable: decay
accurate : faulty
2) MASON: STONE
a) teacher : chalk
b) carpenter : wood
c) soldier: gun
d) photograph : camera
3) HUMILIATED: EMBARRASSED
a) shy: timid
b) enraged : angry
c) sad : upset
d) excited : anxious
4) SKEPTICAL: BELIEF
a) unpopular : wealth
b) homeless : shelter
c) polite : power
d) nervous: stress
5) ATHLETE : FIT
a) chef: fat
b) dog : energetic
c) priest: religious
d) dancer: intelligent
6) TERRIFIED : SCARED
a) quiet: secret
b) sweet: rich
c) obsessed: interested
d) funny: serious
7) WRENCH: TOOL
a) cow : milk
b) radio: sound
c) tree: forest
d) carrot: vegetable
8) SHOVEL: DIG
a) bus: run
b) pencil: write
c) hat: protect
d) fork: take
9) ECSTATIC: HAPPY
a) depressed : sad
b) thick: thin
c) terrible : easy
d) amazing: poor
10) FURIOUS: ANGRY
a) sad : happy
b) cold: cool
c) crazy : entertaining
d) terrified: afraid
11) LAZY: AMBITION
a) bald : hair
b) strong: confidence
c) thirsty: food
d) rich: wealth
12) EXCRUCIATING: PAINFUL
a) baffling: confusing
b) upsetting: exciting
c) improving: hopeful
d) crippling: stressful
13) FAME: OBSCURITY
a) peace: harmony
b) music: art
c) knowledge: wisdom
d) sorrow: joy
14) HASTY: PATIENCE
a) unskilled: magic
b) terrified: logic
c) unqualified: credentials
d) gullible: belief
15) KLUTZ: CLUMSY
a) priest: evil
b) cold: contagious
c) car: broken
d) vegetable: green
16) UNINHIBITED: RESTRAINT
a) overweight: shape
b) unhealthy: control
c) intelligent: thought
d) djgenerous: selfishness
17) ORDER: CHAOS
a) unity: division
b) culture: feeling
c) family: tradition
d) anger: pride
18) VIOLINIST: ORCHESTRA
a) referee: team
b) employee : company
c) judge : jury
d) friend : family
19) APATHETIC: MOTIVATION
a) brilliant: ideas
b) active: technology
c) employed: money
d) lonesome: company
20) LOATHE : DISLIKE
a) praise : enjoy
b) watch: observe
c) worship : admire
d) burn: scorch
21) DEMOCRACY: GOVERNMENT
a) music: invention
b) hammer: tool
c) friendship: person
d) wine: grape
22) EXTRAVAGANT: MODESTY
a) arrogant: money
b) bitter: remorse
c) disappointed: stress
d) unready: preparation
23) MANDATORY: OPTIONAL
a) unwanted : discarded
b) destructive: creative
c) animated : happy
d) pure: clean
24) EPIDEMIC: WIDESPREAD
a) artist: idealistic
b) island : lonesome
c) emergency: urgent
d) djintention: challenged
25) IGNITE: EXTINGUISH
a) harvest: plant
b) rest: relax
c) investigate: trust
d) remove: confiscate
26) TREATY: PEACE
a) title: ownership
b) license: traffic
c) declaration: independence
d)dictionary: language
27) BLENDER: APPLIANCE
a) tent: cabin
b) letter: symbol
c) chemical: biology
d) fungus: mushroom
28) FADED : BRILLIANCE
a) decrepit: strength
b) contemporary : modernity
c) downtrodden: sadness
d) troubled: danger
29) DWINDLE : INCREASE
a) ridicule: mock
b) denounce: embrace
c) celebrate: congratulate
d) sting: stab
30) BELIEVABLE: CREDIBLE
a) chilly: freezing
b) horrible: monstrous
c) visible: obvious
d) eternal: endless
31) APPALLED : DISMAYED
a) interested : apathetic
b) incomprehensible : illegible
c) overjoyed : happy
d) aloof: untouchable
32) SLOB : MESSY
a) benefactor: poor
b) miser: stingy
c) godmother: magical
d) researcher: intuitive
33) BRAKE: DECELERATE
a) nurse : operate
b) veil; conceal
c) commercial: purchase
d) gift: receive
34) BENEFICIAL: DETRIMENTAL
a) allowed : forbidden
b) noteworthy: important
c) original: unique
d) faithful: dedicated
35) HYPERACTIVE: ENERGETIC
a) fabulous: drab
b) superficial: genuine
c) wealthy: greedy
d) gullible: trusting
36) SUPERSTITION : IRRATIONAL
a) opinion: factual
b) purse: expensive
c) reward: motivational
d)invention: successful
37) SELFISH : COMPASSION
a) genuine: authenticity
b) serious: passion
c) childish: maturity
d) irresponsible: attention
38) CHARITY: AID
a) dictionary : words
b) fortune : money
c) counselor : advice
d) translator: language
39) TRAITOR: TREASONOUS
a) reporter : biased
b) hero : fictional
c) alligator : angry
d) crime : illegal
40) FLAMBOYANT: ELABORATE
a) kind : benevolent
b) autocratic : democratic
c) ludicrous : absurd
d) desirable : necessary
41) TABOO: ACCEPTANCE
a) factual: opinion
b) inspirational: reality
c) unpopular : support
d) independent: structure
42) REFEREE: OFFICIATE
a) sentry : guard
b) grandmother : age
c) detective : accuse
d) wizard : curse
43) TRIVIAL: IMPORTANCE
a) prestigious : honor
b) written : rhyme
c) invisible : sight
d) familiar : novelty
44) UNDERTAKER: EMBALMING
a) Critic : Theorizing
b) Philosopher:Eulogizing
c) Pundit: Forecasting
d) Sculptor : Statue
45) HUMANITARIAN: COMPASSION
a) Jingoist Patriotism
b) Juggler:Balance
c) Navigator :Guiding
d) Sailor:Nautical
46) ZEALOUS: APATHETIC
a) Zero : Naught
b) Zenith : Nadir
c) Zest: Pizza
d) Zone : Province
Explanations
1) d; Pep means make something more interesting, livelyness etc. Apathy means lack of interest. These two words are antonyms. Similarly, accurate and faulty are also antonyms.
2) b; Mason is a person skilled in dressing stones in buildings. Carpenter is a person who builds wooden structures.
3) b; Someone who is humiliated is very embarrassed. Someone who is enraged is very angry.
4) b; Some one who is skeptical lacks belief. Someone who is homeless lacks shelter.
5) c; A characteristic of an athlete is to be fit. A characteristic of a priest is to be religious.
6) c; Someone who is terrified is very scared. Someone who is extremely interested is obsessed.
7) d; A wrench is a kind of tool. A carrot is a kind of vegetable.
8) b; A shovel is used to dig. A pencil is used to write.
9) a; Someone who is ecstatic is very happy. Someone who is depressed is very sad.
10) d; Someone who is furious is very angry. Someone who is terrified is very afraid.
11) a; Someone who is lazy lacks ambition. Someone who is bald lacks hair.
12) a; Something that is excruciating is very painful. Something that is baffling is very confusing.
13) d; Fame is the opposite of obscurity. Sorrow is the opposite of joy.
14) c; Someone who is hasty lacks patience. Someone who is unqualified lacks credentials.
15) b; A characteristic of a klutz is to be clumsy. A characteristic of a cold is to be contagious.
16) d; Some one who is uninhibited lacks restraint. Some one who is generous lacks selfishness.
17) a; Opposite of order is chaos. Opposite of unity is division.
18) b; A violinist is part of.an orchestra. An employee is part of a company.
19) d; Someone who is apathetic lacks motivation. Someone who is lonesome lacks company.
20)c; To loathe is to dislike intensely. To worship is to admire intensely.
21) b; A democracy is a type of government. A hammer is a type of tool.
22) d; Someone who is extravagant lacks modesty. Someone who is unready lacks preparation.
23) b; The opposite of optional is mandatory. The opposite of destructive is creative.
24) c; A characteristic of an epidemic is to be widespread. A characteristic of an emergency is to be urgent.
25) a; The opposite of to ignite is to extinguish. The opposite of to harvest is to plant.
26) a; A treaty is used to establish peace. A title is used to establish ownership.
27) b; A blender is a kind of appliance. A letter is a type of symbol.
28) a; Something that is faded lacks brilliance. Something that is decrepit lacks strength.
29) b; To dwindle is the opposite of to increase. To denounce is the opposite of to embrace.
30) d; By definition, something that is believable credible. Similarly, something that is eternal is endless
31) c; Someone who is appalled is very dismayed. Someone who is overjoyed is very happy.
32) b; A characteristic of a slob is to be messy. A characteristic of a miser is to be stingy.
33) b; A brake is used to decelerate. A veil is used to conceal.
34) a; The opposite of beneficial detrimental. The opposite of allowed is forbidden.
35) d; Someone who is hyperactive is very energetic. Someone who is gullible is very trusting.
36) c; A characteristic of a superstition is to be irrational. A characteristic of a reward is to be motivational.
37) d; A selfish lacks compasion. An irresponsible lacks attention.
38) c; The function of a charity is to provide aid. The function of a counselor is to provide advice.
39) d; A characteristic of a traitor is to be treasonous. A characteristic of a crime is to be illegal.
40) c; Something that is flamboyant is very elaborate. Something that is ludicrous is very absurd.
41) c; Something that is taboo lacks acceptance. Something that is unpopular lacks support.
42) a; The function of a referee is to officiate. The function of a sentry is to guard.
43)d; Something that is trivial lacks importance. Something that is familiar lacks novelty.
44) c; Undertaker does embalming while a pundit forecasts.
45) a; A humanitarian practices compassion. While a jingoist is a patriotic person.
46) b; Zealous and apathetic are antonyms. Zenith and nadir are also antonyms.
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