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:
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Logical reasoning
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Vocabulary knowledge
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Ability to recognize relationships
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Critical thinking and decision-making
🔄 Types of Relationships in Analogies
Understanding the relationship is key. Some common types include:
1. Synonym (Similar meaning)
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Example: Happy : Joyful :: Sad : Unhappy
2. Antonym (Opposite meaning)
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Example: Hot : Cold :: Love : Hate
3. Cause and Effect
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Example: Fire : Burn :: Virus : Disease
4. Tool and User
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Example: Pen : Writer :: Hammer : Carpenter
5. Function or Purpose
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Example: Knife : Cut :: Brush : Paint
6. Part and Whole
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Example: Wheel : Car :: Leaf : Tree
7. Degree of Intensity
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Example: Warm : Hot :: Cool : Cold
8. Person and Related Trait
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Example: Brave : Soldier :: Wise : Sage
9. Object and Material
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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
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Identify the relationship clearly in the first pair.
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Apply the same logic to the second pair.
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Eliminate options that don't fit the pattern.
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Be careful with tricky or abstract relationships.
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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
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Always analyze the relationship—not just meanings.
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For abstract analogies, think critically.
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Practice diverse examples to strengthen pattern recognition.
