Word Analogy

1. What Is a Word Analogy?

A word analogy compares two pairs of words to show a relationship between them.

  • Format: Word 1 : Word 2 :: Word 3 : Word 4

    • This is read as: "Word 1 is to Word 2 as Word 3 is to Word 4."

2. Types of Relationships in Word Analogies

RelationshipExplanationExample

Synonyms

Words that have similar meanings.

Happy : Joyful :: Sad : Unhappy

Antonyms

Words that have opposite meanings.

Big : Small :: Hot : Cold

Part to Whole

A part is related to its whole.

Finger : Hand :: Petal : Flower

Cause and Effect

One word is the result of the other.

Study : Success :: Rain : Flood

Function/Use

The function or use of something.

Pen : Write :: Knife : Cut

Type/Kind

A specific type within a category.

Dog : Mammal :: Car : Vehicle

Degree/Intensity

Difference in degree or extent of meaning.

Warm : Hot :: Cool : Cold

Association

Words that are related but not directly.

Painter : Brush :: Carpenter : Hammer

Symbol and Representation

A symbol represents something.

Dove : Peace :: Red : Danger

Action/Object

The object is acted upon by the subject.

Kick : Ball :: Write : Paper

3. Exam Tips for Word Analogies

  1. Identify the Relationship: Find the relationship between the first two words before solving the second pair.

    • Example: Doctor : Patient :: Teacher : ?

      • Relationship: A doctor works with a patient. Similarly, a teacher works with a student.

  2. Eliminate Incorrect Choices: Some options may seem logical but don't match the specific relationship.

  3. Be Aware of Context: Context affects the meaning and relationship of words.

    • Light : Bulb :: Sound : ?

      • Correct Answer: Speaker (Not "Ear").

  4. Check for Logical Consistency: Ensure both pairs of words relate in the same way.

4. Common Word Analogy Patterns

PatternExample

Tool and Action

Scissors : Cut :: Broom : Sweep

Worker and Work

Chef : Cook :: Teacher : Teach

Place and Inhabitant

Hive : Bee :: Nest : Bird

Object and Material

Shoes : Leather :: Bottle : Glass

Part and Whole

Wheel : Car :: Leaf : Tree

Action and Result

Laugh : Joy :: Cry : Sadness

5. Practice Examples

AnalogyExplanation

Bird : Fly :: Fish : Swim

Relationship: Action or Ability. Birds fly; fish swim.

Eye : See :: Ear : Hear

Relationship: Function. The eye sees; the ear hears.

Book : Read :: Food : Eat

Relationship: Purpose. A book is for reading; food is for eating.

Cow : Milk :: Bee : Honey

Relationship: Production. A cow produces milk; a bee produces honey.

Hot : Scalding :: Cold : Freezing

Relationship: Degree/Intensity. Scalding is a more intense form of hot, just as freezing is a more intense form of cold.