Verbal Analogies: Word Relationships Flashcards

OVEN is to BAKE as BROOM is to _______.

Answer: SWEEP

The relationship is 'object to its primary function'. An OVEN's primary function is to BAKE. Similarly, a BROOM's primary function is to SWEEP. While a broom can be used for cleaning in general, 'sweep' is its most specific and direct action.

Which word pair has the same relationship as SPARK and WILDFIRE?

Answer: Virus : Epidemic

The relationship is 'cause to effect', specifically a small thing leading to a very large and widespread outcome. A SPARK can cause a WILDFIRE. Similarly, a VIRUS can cause an EPIDEMIC. The other pairs don't represent this cause-and-effect relationship where a small catalyst leads to a massive event.

CHAPTER is to BOOK as ACT is to _______.

Answer: PLAY

This is a 'part to whole' analogy. A CHAPTER is a main division of a BOOK. Likewise, an ACT is a main division of a PLAY.

Which word pair expresses an antonymous relationship?

Answer: GENEROUS : STINGY

The question asks for the pair with opposite meanings (antonyms). GENEROUS (willing to give) is the direct opposite of STINGY (unwilling to give). The other pairs are synonyms (words with similar meanings).

A student is writing a story and wants to describe a character who is very wise. Which of the following analogies best fits this characteristic?

Answer: SAGE : WISDOM

This is a 'person to characteristic' relationship. A SAGE is a person defined by their great WISDOM. The other options show a lack of a characteristic (Novice lacks Experience, Braggart lacks Modesty) or a defining tool (Tyrant uses Power).

WARM is to SCALDING as COOL is to _______.

Answer: FRIGID

This analogy shows a relationship of 'degree or intensity'. SCALDING is an extreme degree of WARM. Similarly, FRIGID is an extreme degree of COOL. While 'frozen' and 'icy' are related to cold, 'frigid' best captures the same sense of extreme temperature as 'scalding'.