Analogies: challenge

Key Notes :

Review: What is an Analogy?

An analogy is a comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification. It highlights the relationship between two pairs of words. The standard format is:

A : B :: C : D

Read as: A is to B as C is to D. The goal is to identify the relationship between A and B, and then find a word D that shares the same relationship with C.

Let’s look at a simple example:

DAY : NIGHT :: UP : DOWN

The relationship between DAY and NIGHT is opposites. Therefore, we need to find the opposite of UP, which is DOWN.

Stepping Up the Challenge

Now, let’s explore some more challenging analogies. These will require you to think more deeply about the relationships between the words.

Here are some common, but potentially tricky, relationship types:

  • Part to Whole: Wheel : Bicycle :: Page : Book
  • Cause and Effect: Fire : Smoke :: Rain : Flood (Can also be: Wetness)
  • Synonym: Happy : Joyful :: Sad : Melancholy
  • Antonym: Hot : Cold :: Light : Dark
  • Degree of Intensity: Warm : Hot :: Annoyed : Furious
  • Function: Knife : Cut :: Pen : Write
  • Characteristic: Lemon : Sour :: Sky : Blue
  • Grammatical: Run : Ran :: Eat : Ate
Examples of Challenging Analogies

Let’s examine some examples together:

EPHEMERAL : PERMANENCE :: FLEETING : ______

  • The relationship between EPHEMERAL and PERMANENCE is antonyms. EPHEMERAL means lasting for a very short time. Therefore, we need the opposite of FLEETING, which is something like ENDURING or LASTING.

AUTHOR : NOVEL :: COMPOSER : ______

  • An AUTHOR creates a NOVEL. A COMPOSER creates a SYMPHONY, SONATA, or other MUSICAL WORK.

LION : PRIDE :: FISH : ______

  • A group of LIONS is called a PRIDE. A group of FISH is called a SCHOOL.

SCALPEL : SURGEON :: CHISEL : ______

  • A SCALPEL is a tool used by a SURGEON. A CHISEL is a tool used by a SCULPTOR, WOODWORKER, or STONE CARVER.

IMPROMPTU : PLANNING :: SPONTANEOUS : ______

  • IMPROMPTU means without PLANNING. SPONTANEOUS means without PREMEDITATION, FORETHOUGHT, or PREPARATION.
Tips for Tackling Difficult Analogies

Here are some strategies to help you solve those tricky analogies:

  • Define the Words: Make sure you know the meaning of every word in the analogy.
  • Identify the Relationship: Clearly state the relationship between the first two words (A and B) in a simple sentence. For example, “A is a type of B,” or “A is the opposite of B.”
  • Apply the Relationship: Use the same relationship to find the missing word (D). Test each option to see if it fits the relationship.
  • Look for Secondary Relationships: If multiple options seem plausible, look for a more specific or nuanced relationship between the first two words.
  • Eliminate Incorrect Answers: If you’re unsure of the answer, eliminate the options that you know are wrong. This will increase your chances of guessing correctly.
  • Consider Parts of Speech: Ensure that the parts of speech are consistent. If A is a noun, then C and D should also be nouns.
  • Don’t Overthink It: Sometimes the most obvious answer is the correct one!
Analogy Exercises

Solve the following analogies:

  1. ACTOR : STAGE :: LAWYER : ______
  2. ORCHESTRA : MUSICIAN :: TEAM : ______
  3. ENIGMA : PUZZLING :: PARADOX : ______
  4. GLACIER : ICE :: VOLCANO : ______
  5. CALLOW : EXPERIENCE :: NAIVE : ______

Answer Key:

  1. COURTROOM
  2. PLAYER
  3. CONTRADICTORY
  4. LAVA
  5. SOPHISTICATION
Conclusion

Analogies are a great way to improve your vocabulary, critical thinking skills, and ability to recognize relationships between seemingly disparate concepts. By understanding the different types of relationships and practicing regularly, you can master even the most challenging analogies. Keep practicing!

Let’s practice!🖊️