Analogies: Determining Meaning from Type of Relationship

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SSAT Upper Level: Verbal › Analogies: Determining Meaning from Type of Relationship

Questions 1 - 10
1

Complete this analogy.                       is to cat as cunning is to fox.

Curiosity

Honesty

Loyalty

Veneration

Determination

Explanation

Being "cunning" is a characteristic commonly attributed to "foxes" in contemporary society. Which of these is a characteristic commonly attributed to "cats?" The correct answer is "curiosity." Additionally, "veneration" means deep respect for, worship.

2

Complete this analogy.

Coven is to                              as guild is to tradesmen.

witches

teachers

animals

scientists

hikers

Explanation

A group of "tradesmen" is called a "guild." So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these, when taken as a group, is called a "coven." The correct answer is that a "coven" is a group of "witches."

3

Complete this analogy.

Hertz is to frequency as watt is to                                 .

power

force

distance

time

depth

Explanation

"Hertz" is a unit of measurement, used to measure the "frequency" of waves. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine what a "watt" is used to measure. The correct answer is that a "watt" is a unit of measurement, used to measure "power," particularly the "power" in an electrical circuit.

4

Law is to court as medicine is to                     .

hospital

doctor

medication

library

school

Explanation

Since law is practiced in courts, we need to pick out an answer that describes a kind of building in which medicine is practiced. While "hospital," "doctor," and "medication" all have to do with medicine, only "hospital" refers to a building in which medicine is practiced, so "hospital" is the correct answer.

5

Complete this analogy.

Impound is to confiscate as ponder is to                                   .

mull

maul

meander

prattle

embezzle

Explanation

"Impound" and "confiscate" are synonyms, both words mean to take something away because it is in violation of the rules. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these is a synonym of "ponder." Well, "ponder" means to think deeply and carefully about. So, the correct answer is "mull." Additionally, "embezzle" means steal money from a place where you work or are trusted; "maul" means attack and cause harm to, wound; "meander" means to walk or move indirectly or slowly; "prattle" means talk foolishly.

6

Complete this analogy.

Encumber is to                      as contort is to twist.

burden

betray

acknowledge

assume

express

Explanation

"Contort" and "twist" are synonyms, both words mean to bend out of shape. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words has the same meaning as "encumber." Well, "encumber" means weigh down with, restrict the movement of. This is very similar in definition to "burden."

7

Complete this analogy.

Denude is to strip as                      is to estrange.

alienate

lionize

garble

besmirch

inundate

Explanation

"Denude" means "strip", remove covering, remove a layer. To solve this analogy you therefore need to determine which of these words is a synonym of "estrange." Well, "estrange" means to make someone feel like a stranger, to cause someone to feel no longer close with. This is very similar in definition to "alienate," to make someone feel alien. Additionally, "inundate" means flood, overwhelm; "besmirch" means dirty, spoil, ruin the innocence or reputation of; "lionize" means praise, make out to be a hero; "garble" means mix-up, jumble.

8

Complete the analogy.

Coy is to shy as deceptive is to                     .

misleading

mundane

bellicose

detrimental

loathsome

Explanation

"Coy" means pretending to be shy or acting shy. It is loosely a synonym of "shy," so to solve this analogy, you need to determine which of these words is loosely a synonym of "deceptive," which means dishonest and trying to trick others. The correct answer is "misleading," which means making untrue things seem as if they are true. Additionally, "mundane" means ordinary and boring; "bellicose" means aggressive and desiring war or conflict; "detrimental" means causing harm, hurtful, or getting in the way of the progress of something; and "loathsome" means detestable and deserving of hatred.

9

Complete this analogy.

Flagrant is to brazen as                      is to unremarkable.

nondescript

acrimonious

grave

boisterous

truculent

Explanation

"Flagrant" and "blatant" are synonyms; both words refer tothings that are obviously and overtly offensive or in violation of the rules. To solve this analogy, you need to determine which of the answer choices is a synonym of "unremarkable." "Unremarkable" means not distinctive or having no features worth remaking on. So, the correct answer is "nondescript." Additionally, "acrimonious" refers to conflict and means bitter and spiteful; "grave" means serious and potentially threatening; "truculent" means aggressive; and "boisterous" refers to behavior and means rowdy, loud, and hard to control.

10

Complete this analogy.

Gratuity is to beneficial as solace is to                             .

comforting

frightening

condescending

invigorating

endangering

Explanation

A "gratuity" is a perk, some special right or advantage conveyed on someone. A "gratuity" is "beneficial" (helpful, useful), so to solve this analogy you need to determine what "solace" is. Well, "solace" is relief or consolation offered in a time of hardship or suffering. "Solace" is therefore "comforting." Additionally, "condescending" means rude and based on the premise that the speaker knows better than the person being spoken to; "invigorating" means energizing, giving vigor to.

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