What is an analogy?
An analogy is a comparison of two pairs of words to find out the relationship between them. A bridge explains how the two words of a pair logically fit in together – the first important step to solve an analogy.
If A stands for Trees and B for Forest, can you form a bridge between these two words.
Yes, we can say trees are present in a forest. But can you form a bridge expressing more subtle relationship between the words?
Think!!
I think you guess it right. The bridge might be “Forest is a collection of trees.”
Now look at this:
Trees:Forest::Ship::?
Try to fill in the missing word in the above analogy. As Forest is a collection of trees, ? is a collection of ship.
Collection of ship is fleet. So Fleet is the right word for the blank.
Trees:Forest :: Ship:Fleet
These two form an analogy pair as they have the same relationship.
STEP 1 Identify the relationship between the given pair of words.
LURK:WAIT
A) prattle:talk
B) abscond:depart
C) brisk:walk
D) skimp:read
E) eloquence:speak
Let’s try to form a bridge between the given pair of words.To lurk is to wait secretly. Now in the sentence, lets replace
the given words with the words from the answer choices.
Choice A: Is it correct to say:
prattle is to talk secretly? No
Choice B: To abscond is to depart
secretly..Yes this can be the answer.
Choice C: To brisk is to walk secretly? No
Choice D: To skimp is to read secretly? No
Choice E: To eloquence is to speak secretly? No
Hence answer is B.
STEP II: The sentence forming the relationship should be neither too general nor too vague. Look for a deeper relationship if the relationship formed does not fit into any of the given choices or fits into more than one choice
BAT: CRICKET
A) board:chess
B) ball:soccer
C) team:basketball
D) racket:badminton
E) racket:tennis
The bat is used to play cricket.If we use this bridge, it eliminates only the choice C. Let’s look for a more subtle relationship between the given pair of words. The bridge is: A bat is used to strike a ball in cricket. Also a racket is used to strike a ball in tennis. So E is the correct choice.
STEP III Check for the parts of speech of the given words. It may help you in arriving at the right answer for e.g if the given pair is noun:verb the answer will also be noun:verb pair. The part of speech of both the given pair and the answer will always be the same. STEP IV Look for eye-catchers. This is the GRE test maker’s common ploy. The answer choice will have words that fall into the same category as that of the given pair but have different relationship. So be careful of selecting that choice just because the words in it are identical to the given pair. Remember you are looking for an answer choice having same relationship as that of the given pair, not the identical words.
LAVISH:PARSIMONIOUS
A) mendicant:poor
B) spendthrift:puerile
C) affluent:mansion
D) eternal:ephemeral
E) laud:exemplary
Here lavish (meaning spending in excess) and parsimonious (meaning economical) are antonyms. The choice B is an eye catcher as lavish reminds us of spendthrift (meaning spending lavishly). However spendthrift and puerile (meaning childish) are not antonyms. The words eternal (meaning everlasting) and ephemeral (meaning short-lived) form an antonym pair. Hence D is the answer STEP V The order of the pair of words is important. The answer choices should form the same relationship as that of given pair in the same order. Their order can’t be changed.
How to Solve Analogies
Solving analogies is a terrific way to sharpen your thinking skills and prepare for standardized tests.
An analogy is a type of word problem that consists of two word pairs. To solve the analogy you must find a word that correctly completes the second pair. At first glance, the words in an analogy may seem to have nothing to do with each other, but the words are always logically related. The first pair of words has a relationship similar to the second pair of words. To solve the analogy, you need to figure out that relationship.
Example:
GRACEFUL : CLUMSY :: HOT : _______
Read the analogy like this: Graceful is to clumsy as hot is to ‘blank.’
Then ask yourself: What's the relationship between graceful and clumsy? These words have opposite meanings – they are antonyms – so the second pair of words must also be antonyms.
Fill in the blank with a word that means the opposite of hot, and you’ve solved the analogy. The best answer is COLD. Common Analogy Types
The word pairs in an analogy often have one of the following relationships:
Antonyms: Words that have opposite meanings, as in HOT : COLD
List Of Analogy
GARBLED-COMPREHEND==obscured-recognize
HEAT-CALORIMETER==distance-odometer
ALLY-WAR==teammate-game
EAVESDROP-CONVERSATION==trespass-property
PALPABLE-TOUCH==pliable-mold
SUBMERGE-WATER==inter-earth
RUTHLESS-MERCY==insipid-flavor
MINION-DEPENDENT==groveler-petitioner
PANEGYRIC-PRAISE==valediction-farewell
SNAKE-LEG==horse-wings
BOX-FIGHT==debate-argue
ITINERARY-TRIP==syllabus-course
FREQUENCY-PITCH==wavelength-color
RATIOCINATION-THINKING==articulation-talking
NARCISSISM-LOVE==guilt-blame
PLACEBO-PAINKILLER==backdrop-vista
CAMOUFLAGE-DECEPTION==flattery-ingratiating
ADULTERATE-PURITY==enervate-vigor
SKETCH-PAINTING==outline-essay
GEAR-TOOTH==screw-thread
EXECUTOR-WILL==soldier-order
PRODIGALITY-SPENDING==gluttony-eating
BASTE-DRYNESS==caulk-moistness
DROSS-METAL==chaff-grain
GUST-WIND==flare-light
DUCTILITY-MALLEABLE==toxicity-poisonous
RAIL-VEHEMENCE==entreat-urgency
SCYTHE-REAPER==axe-woodcutter
DISCOMBOBULATED-ORDER==erratic-consistency
FERVOR-ZEALOT==doubt-skeptic
COLTISH-DISCIPLINE==loutish-grace
AWL-PIERCE==pestle-mash
COMPLIMENT-FLATTERY==deference-subservience
TAXONOMIST-CLASSIFY==carpenter-build
UPBRAID-DISAPPROVAL==lament-grief
ANATHEMA-CURSE==theocracy-state
GLUE-SEAL==manure-fertilize
FICKLE-CONSTANCY==naive-sophistication
BOW-VIOLIN==stick-drum
INEXPERIENCE-NEOPHYTE==irresponsibility-wastrel
WOOD-SAWDUST==metal-filings
SOPHISM-REASONING==counterfeit-money
APOSTACY-FAITH==recantation-heresy
MOLECULE-ATOMS==tissue-cells
ARRHYTHMIC-REGULARITY==apathetic-concern
OBJECTIVITY-PARTISAN==temperance-reprobate
LIMP-WALK==stutter-talk
CONUNDRUM-SOLVE==tangle-unravel
AGENDA-MINUTES==itinerary-log
RAVISHING-ATTRACTIVE==perspicacious-discerning
NIL-QUANTITY==vacuum-matter
FULMINATE-CRITICIZE==adulate-flatter
EPILOGUE-NOVEL==coda-symphony
PIECE-JIGSAW PUZZLE==tile-mosaic
DIAMETER-CIRCLE==diagonal-rectangle
MANDATORY-COMPLY==forbidden-abstain
EXEMPLARY-CRITICIZED==erratic-predicted
CREDULITY-DUPE==discrimination-connoisseur
CALLIGRAPHY-SCRIBBLE==sonnet-doggerel
RECOMMEND-LAUD==sanction-foster
BALEFUL-MENACE==solicitous-concern
GALLEY-SHIP==kitchen-house
LETHARGIC-STIMULATE==skeptical-convince
SHRINE-PILGRIM==peak-climber
SPLINT-MOBILITY==lubricant-friction
RIG-CONTEST==gerrymander-district
CREEK-RIVER==pebble-rock
SEMINARY-THEOLOGIAN==conservatory-artist
RIVAL-COMPETITION==sycophant-flattery
COURAGEOUS-BRAVADO==complimentary-fulsomeness
ANESTHETIC-NUMBNESS==intoxicant-drunkenness
DRUMMER-MUSICIAN==tragedian-actor
ARCHIEVE-MANUSCRIPT==arsenal-weapon
RAMPART-INVASION==levee-flood
RETICENT-TALK==abstemious-gorge
MENTOR-GUIDACE==oracle-prophecy
LIGNEOUS-WOOD==osseous-bone
IRREVOCABLE-REPEAL==ineluctable-avoid
LITERATE-ERUDITE==agitated-frenetic
TUITION-INSTRUCTION==fare-transportation
ARBITRATOR-DISPUTANTS==judge-litigants
ARBORETUM-TREES==aviary-birds
WINNOW-WHEAT==refine-oil
IDYLL-CAREFREE==ordeal-difficult
RELAPSE-CONVALESCENCE==recidivism-rehabilitation
ANACHRONISM-CHRONOLOGY==fallacy-logic
DEFAULT-PAY==yield-resist
FIRM-INTRANSIGENT==concerned-obsessed
CATCH-FISH==harvest-grain
CURATORS-PAINTINGS==librarians-books
METEOROLOGY-WEATHER==pathology-disease
PUN-JOKE==termite-insect
PLAIN-AUSTERE==clean-sterile
ASTROLABE-NAUTICAL==colander-culinary
ALACRITY-APATHETIC==temerity-timid
FLOUT-DISREGARD==taunt-challenge
LIQUID-VALVE==electric current-switch
PRIMP-VAIN==gloat-smug
GOBBLE-EAT==guzzle-drink
SHIPSHAPE-DISARRAY==squalid-cleanliness
HOVER-PLUNGE==crouch-spring
SAGE-WISDOM==philanthropist-benevolence
ERODE-DIMINISH==accrete-enlarge
MANIA-ENTHUSIASM==doting-fondness
OBDURATE-BUDGE==lachrymose-cheer
CHOIR-SINGER==cast-actor
GLARING-BRIGHT==deafing-loud
MAVERICK-CONFORMITY==extrovert-reserve
SLITHER-SNAKE==waddle-duck
COUNTENANCE-TOLERATION==demur-objection
PROCTOR-SUPERVISE==prodigal-squander
REDOLENT-SMELL==piquant-taste
TORQUE-ROTATION==tension-elongation
SUBSIDY-SUPPORT==debt-obligation
WATER-SWIM==snow-ski
TILE-MOSAIC==stitch-sampler
SCHOOL-FISH==flock-birds
CASTIGATION-DISAPPROVE==blasphemy-irreverence
ACCELERATE-SPEED==prolong-duration
COMPLAIN-CARP==drink-guzzle
FILIGREE-WIRE==lace-thread
SKIRMISH-INSIGNIFICANCE==duel-formality
STUDY-LEARN==search-find
CORRAL-HORSE==coop-chickens
LULLABY-SONG==diatribe-discourse
DIE-SHAPING==drill-boring
MERCENARY-MONEY==vindictive-revenge
AUTHORITATIVENESS-PUNDITS==allegiance-partisans
STRUT-WING==buttress-wall
FAWN-IMPERVIOUSNESS==equivocate-directness
TROUBLED-DISTRAUGHT==covetous-rapacious
TABLECLOTH-TABLE==sheet-mattress
CANVAS-PAINTER==marble-sculptor
MANSION-RESIDENCE==limousine-automobile
DOOR-ROOM==hatch-hold
CHOREOGRAPHY-DANCE==plot-story
EVAPORATE-VAPOR==petrify-stone
ASSUAGE-SORROW==dampen-ardor
NUMB-INSENSIBLE==burnish-lustrous
AUDACIOUS-TREPIDATION==laconic-volubility
SCALPEL-SURGEON==telescope-astronomer
APPLE-FRUIT==wood-fabric
ENVELOPE-LETTER==crate-produce
PANEGYRIC-EULOGIZE==lampoon-satirize
OVERDOSE-PRESCRIPTION==indiscretion-convention
FRESCO-WALL==parquetry-floor
HAMMER-ANVIL==pestle-mortar
RELEVANT-CRUCIAL==perceptible-obvious
PERFUNCTORILY-INSPIRATION==insolently-veneration
ADULT-CHILD==cat-kitten
CLOT-DISSOLVED==crowd-dispersed
GLOSSARY-TEXT==legend-map
FERVOR-ZEALOT==improvidence-spend thrift
SHARD-POTTERY==fragment-bone
FERTILIZE-GROW==immunize-resist
ATTENTIVE-OFFICIOUS==refined-snobbish
EXORBITANT-MODERATION==perfidious-loyalty
BLANDISHMENT-COAX==medal-honor
APPLE-SKIN==melon-rind
FIRE-INFERNO==storm==hurricane
BODYGUARD-PERSON==soldier-country
LOPE-RUN==drawl-speak
HOAX-DECEIVE==filibuster-delay
ALCOVE-RECESS==dome-roof
BALLAST-INSTABILITY==purchase-slippage
MUFFLE-SOUND==assuage-grief
MITIGATE-SEVERE==qualify-general
BABBLE-TALK==scribble-write
SYLLABUS-COURSE==agenda-meeting
VARNISH-WOOD==wax-linoleum
PITCH-SOUND==color-light
DISCOMFITED-BLUSH==contemptuous-sneer
INVINCIBLE-SUBDUE==impervious-damaged
STRIATED-GROOVE==braided-strand
DOGGEREL-VERSE==burlesque-play
DROLL-LAUGH==grisly-flinch
WEB-SPIDER==net-bird
FOUR-POSTER-BED==convertible-automobile
BONE-BODY==girder-skyscraper
SCOOP-CONCAVE==spatula-flat
SYMBOLS-REBUS==note-score
GUSH-EFFUSIVE==rage-irate
PERORATION-SPEECH==coda-sonata
INTERREGNUM-GOVERNMENT==hibernation-activity
EMBROIDER-CLOTH==chase-metal
COMA-UNCONSCIOUSNESS==delirium-confusion
TOURNIQUET-BLOOD==dam-river
FOUNDATION-HOUSE==pedestal-statue
PHILATELIST-STAMPS==numismatist-coins
INSECT-BUTTERFLY==philosophy-metaphysics
PERNICIOUS-INJURE==disingenuous-mislead
FLAG-VIGOR==waver-resolution
EMBARRASS-MORTIFY==indulge-mollycoddle
DISTILL-PURITY==leaven-volume
SKELETON-ANIMAL==framing-building
OUTSKIRTS-TOWN==margin-page
AMORPHOUSNESS-DEFINITION==lassitude-energy
COLLUSION-CONSPIRATORS==cooperation-partners
DIVERT-SHUNT==retard-brake
EQUIVOCATE-COMMITMENT==procrastinate-action
ARMADA-VEHICLES==fusillade-projectiles
LACONIC-SPEECH==austere-design
GROW-BURGEON==beat-palpitate
GADGETS-TOOLS==trinkets-jewelry
LISTEN-RECORDING==view-photograph
CENSORSHIP-INFORMATION==sanitation-disease
DELUGE-DROPLET==landslide-pebble
SPEAK-RETICENT==spend-parsimonious
PATRIOTIC-CHAUVINISTIC==receptive-gullible
BOUQUET-FLOWERS==woodpile-logs
ENDEMIC-REGION==inborn-individual
PECCADILLO-SIN==admonishment-castigation
NURTURE-CHILD==cultivate-crop
SAW-CARPENTER==scissors-tailor
EPITAPH-TOMBSTONE==motto-shield
SIMPER-SMILE==babble-talk
EGG-CHICKEN==roe-salmon
GLIMMER-DAZZLE==murmur-resound
RESCIND-LAW==withdraw-candidacy
ENTANGLE-INVOLVE==grill-question
ALCHEMY-SCIENCE==nostrum-remedy
ANXIOUS-REASSURANCE==perplexed-clarification
STANZA-POEM==act-opera
COIN-DENOMINATION==officer-rank
EMBELLISH-AUSTERE==adulterate-pure
PORTFOLIO-SECURITIES==dossier-reports
EXHORT-SUGGEST==goad-direct
CLAY-PORCELAIN==flax-linen
SERMON-HOMILETICS==argument-logic
MATRIX-NUMBERS==crystal-atoms
REFLECTION-LIGHT==echo-sound
CARVE-TURKEY==slice-cake
GEM-TURQUOISE==flower-violet
PARQUET-WOOD==mosaic-glass
IMPLACABLE-APPEASE==indomitable-subdue
HOMOGENIZE-UNIFORM==putrefaction-rotten
SELFLESSNESS-ALTRUIST==expertise-connoisseur
AESTHETICS-BEAUTY==epistemology-knowledge
CORNUCOPIA-ABUNDANCE==mace-authority
OATH-PROMISE==contract-agreement
NEEDLE-KNIT-loom-weave
MAIL-MAILBOX==laundry-hamper
ASTRINGENT-PUCKER==spark-ignition
HEMORRHAGE-BLEEDING==vertigo-dizziness
INDULGE-ASCETIC==restrain-libertine
LURK-WAIT==abscond-depart
INTERESTED-AGOG==careful-meticulous
DOGMA-ICONOCLAST==convention-maverick
PEDIATRICS-CHILDREN==dermatology-skin
CREASE-FOLDING==hole-perforating
DAGGER-SCABBARD==pistol-holster
SUBPOENA-WITNESS==conscript-soldier
LUBRICATE-ABRASION==seal-leakage
ASTROLOGY-ASTRONOMY==alchemy-chemistry
MALAPROPISM-VERBAL==gaffe-social
PLUCK-QUIT==pride-grovel
PARENTHESIS-EXPLANATION==ellipsis-omission
CENSUS-POPULATION==inventory-merchandise
INEVITABLE-CHANCE==absolute-variability
DART-MISSILE==skiff-boat
DECIBEL-SOUND==lumen-light
STICKLER-APPROXIMATION==purist-adulteration
SYNONYMOUS-MEANING==interchangeable-function
INSIPID-INVENTION==prosaic-imagination
STREAM-EDDY==trend-anomaly
PIRATE-TAKE==forge-copy
DEPORT-NATION==expel-school
VESSEL-BLOOD==pipeline-gas
ITINERARY-TRIP==agenda-meeting
TACT-OFFENSIVE==money-poor
EPIDERMIS-MAMMAL==bark-conifer
ANOMALY-paradigmatic==blemish-flawless
LIONIZE-ADMIRE==vituperate-despise
TERSENESS-SUPERFLUOUS==spontaneity-studied
SUBMISSION-OBEISANCE==affection-embrace
CLIENTELE-CUSTOMERS==faculty-teachers
ARTICULATE-SPEECH==graceful-movement
COLOSSUS-FIGURINE==boulder-pebble
LEAF-OAK==needle-pine
LATENCY-RESPONSE==incubation-disease
RETRACT-STATEMENT==repeal-legislation
JUGGERNAUT-CRUSH==quisling-betray
FRUGAL-PENURIOUS==compliant-obsequious
DEPART-ABSCOND==store-secrete
SOLDIER-ARMY==element-compound
SLUR-SPEECH==smudge-writing
LOCOMOTIVE-FLATCAR==tugboat-barge
TRICKLE-GUSH==warm-sear
CHARADE-WORD==mime-story
EPAULET-SHOULDER==ring-finger
VERNACULAR-PLACE==jargon-profession
HEAT-CALORIES==liquid-gallons
MARTIAL-MILITARY==runic-mysterious
DERMATOLOGIST-SKIN==podiatrist-feet
UNDERSTUDY-STAR==deputy-sheriff
SUSPICIOUS-PARANOID==admiring-idolatrous
GREENHOUSE-PLANT==incubator-infant
ANACHRONISTIC-TIME==discordant-sound
RIVER-GORGE==wind-dune
STIPPLE-DOT==striate-band
GOURMAND-APPETITE==skinflint-thrift
ROYALTY-PAYMENT==subpoena-writ
DRAWBRIDGE-CASTLE==gangway-ship
INSULIN-PANCREAS==bile-liver
TALON-EAGLE==claw-panther
ARTICULATE-CLEARLY==shout-loudly
NUANCE-DISTINCTION==hint-suggestion
URBANE-GAUCHERIE==guileless-chicanery
VOTING-ROLLCALL==termination-cloture
DEMUR-QUALMS==waver-irresoluteness
MISER-THRIFT==chauvinist-patriotism
FORGERY-COUNTERFEIT==embezzlement-fraud
NICOTINE-TOBACCO==caffeine-coffee
CANDLE-WAX==tire-rubber
BIT-DRILL==blade-razor
MISJUDGE-ASSESS==misconstrue-interpret
COMPLIANT-SERVILE==trusting-gullible
NOMINAL-FIGUREHEAD==absolute-autocrat
ASTRINGENT-CONTRACTION==anesthetic-insensibility
PHILOSOPHER-COGITATE==iconoclast-attack
THERMOMETER-TEMPERATURE==compass-direction
FOOLPROOF-FAIL==airtight-leak
SUFFOCATE-OXYGEN==starve-nutrients
ORCHESTRA-MUSIC==troupe-drama
BIRD-SNARE==fish-seine
RESOLUTENESS-WILL==zeal-conviction
MILLER-GRAIN==tanner-hide
DIDACTIC-INSTRUCT==comic-amuse
GARRULOUS-TALKATIVE==cloying-sweet
TORNADO-AIR==whirlpool-water
SINGER-CHOIR==flower-bouquet
PIGMENT-COLOR==spice-flavor
LABYRINTH-TORTUOUS==ornament-decorative
PRATE-SPEAK==saunter-walk
PERTURB-SERENITY==reassure-doubt
FURTIVE-STEALTH==whimsical-caprice
TENDER-ACCEPTANCE==exhibit-inspection
PLUTOCRACY-WEALTH==geroncracy-age
HAMMER-CARPENTER==knife-butcher
