Analogies

The term analogy refers to a comparison between two things that are alike in some way. In reasoning, an analogy question requires you to identify the relationship between a pair of words and then find another pair that has the same relationship.

Definition:
An analogy is a comparison between two pairs of words or concepts that have a similar relationship.

📌 Why are Analogies Important in Exams?

Analogies test:

Logical reasoning
Vocabulary knowledge
Ability to recognize relationships
Critical thinking and decision-making

🔄 Types of Relationships in Analogies

Understanding the relationship is key. Some common types include:

1. Synonym (Similar meaning)

Example: Happy : Joyful :: Sad : Unhappy

2. Antonym (Opposite meaning)

Example: Hot : Cold :: Love : Hate

3. Cause and Effect

Example: Fire : Burn :: Virus : Disease

4. Tool and User

Example: Pen : Writer :: Hammer : Carpenter

5. Function or Purpose

Example: Knife : Cut :: Brush : Paint

6. Part and Whole

Example: Wheel : Car :: Leaf : Tree

7. Degree of Intensity

Example: Warm : Hot :: Cool : Cold

8. Person and Related Trait

Example: Brave : Soldier :: Wise : Sage

9. Object and Material

Example: Ring : Gold :: Shirt : Cotton

🧮 General Format in Questions

Analogy questions appear in one of the following formats:

➤ Format 1:

Word1 : Word2 :: Word3 : ?

You need to find the correct fourth word that completes the analogy.

➤ Format 2:

A is to B as C is to D

Identify the same relationship between C and D that exists between A and B.

📘 Examples with Explanation

🟢 Example 1:

Doctor : Hospital :: Teacher : ?
→ Answer: School
Explanation: A doctor works in a hospital. Similarly, a teacher works in a school.

🟢 Example 2:

Book : Reading :: Fork : ?
→ Answer: Eating
Explanation: A book is used for reading; a fork is used for eating.

🟢 Example 3:

Bird : Wings :: Fish : ?
→ Answer: Fins
Explanation: A bird uses wings to fly; a fish uses fins to swim.

🟢 Example 4:

Painter : Brush :: Writer : ?
→ Answer: Pen
Explanation: A painter uses a brush; a writer uses a pen.

📝 Tips to Solve Analogy Questions

Identify the relationship clearly in the first pair.
Apply the same logic to the second pair.
Eliminate options that don't fit the pattern.
Be careful with tricky or abstract relationships.
Use common sense and logic. Don't overthink.

❓ Practice MCQs

🔸 Q1: Eye : See :: Ear : ?

a) Hear
b) Sound
c) Nose
d) Taste
→ Answer: a) Hear
Explanation: Eyes are used to see; ears are used to hear.

🔸 Q2: Sword : Warrior :: Pen : ?

a) Teacher
b) Writer
c) Student
d) Book
→ Answer: b) Writer
Explanation: A sword is a tool for a warrior; a pen is a tool for a writer.

🔸 Q3: Puppy : Dog :: Cub : ?

a) Lion
b) Horse
c) Cat
d) Goat
→ Answer: a) Lion
Explanation: A puppy is a baby dog; a cub is a baby lion.

🔸 Q4: Success : Failure :: Joy : ?

a) Sadness
b) Happiness
c) Smile
d) Result
→ Answer: a) Sadness
Explanation: Success is the opposite of failure; joy is the opposite of sadness.

💡 Remember

Always analyze the relationship—not just meanings.
For abstract analogies, think critically.
Practice diverse examples to strengthen pattern recognition.

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