Verbal Analogies

Capital is the primary resource used when investing. Choice C shows the same input relationship: sport is the domain or context in which you play. Both pairs follow an action-to-resource/domain pattern.

Importune means to request something persistently, often to the point of annoyance. Choice A captures this: pry means to inquire or investigate too intrusively. Both pairs show an excessive form relationship where the first action is an intensified version of the second.

Ironclad means extremely firm, unbreakable, or absolute. Choice C follows this intensity pattern: brilliant means exceptionally smart or intelligent. Both pairs show a relationship where the second word is a more extreme or intense version of the first.

AUTHORITATIVE things naturally garner ACCEPTANCE, just as conspicuous things attract attention. The relationship is cause-effect: the quality in the first word produces the response in the second. Option B is incorrect because nebulous (unclear) things do not receive validation. Option C pairs congruent terms without clear causation. Option D relates emotions without the cause-effect dynamic. Option E suggests inherent qualities rather than a response received.

WAFT (float gently) and PLUMMET (fall rapidly) are antonyms representing opposite movements in speed/direction. Similarly, MEANDER (wander slowly) and DASH (move quickly) are antonyms with the same slow-fast opposition. Option A pairs synonyms. Option B has no clear relationship. Option C pairs sequential actions, not opposites. Option D pairs potentially related actions without antonymy.

FERTILIZE is done to make things GROW - it is a means to an end. Similarly, IMMUNIZE is done to make things RESIST disease. The relationship is action-purpose. Option B pairs synonyms. Option C shows cause-effect but heating is done to create warmth, not to burn. Option D and E lack the clear means-end relationship.

QUIXOTIC means extremely idealistic, so it represents a more intense form of IDEALISTIC. Similarly, TOUCHY represents a more intense form of SENSITIVE. The relationship is same quality with different intensity. Option A pairs antonyms. Option B also pairs antonyms. Option C pairs near-synonyms without intensity difference. Option E pairs unrelated concepts.

SUPPLANT means to REPLACE, often forcefully or with displacement. Similarly, SNATCH means to TAKE quickly or forcefully. The relationship is synonymy with emphasis on the forceful/manner aspect. Option B pairs different concepts. Option C reverses logical order (convicting follows accusation). Option D pairs unrelated actions. Option E pairs synonyms without the forceful connotation.

A FRESCO is a specific type of painting done on a WALL. Similarly, PARQUETRY is a specific type of wood flooring done on a FLOOR. The relationship is art form/technique : surface. Option A pairs an object with its location, not an art form. Option C pairs a material with its location, not a decorative technique. Option D and E pair decorative objects with unrelated locations.

Things that are SYNONYMOUS have the same MEANING. Similarly, things that are INTERCHANGEABLE have the same FUNCTION. The relationship is attribute : what the attribute applies to. Option B pairs equivocal (unclear) with interpretation, not sameness. Option C pairs coincidence with cause, no clear sameness. Option D pairs ambidextrous (both-handed) with skill, not sameness. Option E pairs bilingual (two-languages) with language, not sameness of function.

INTEREST can lead to INVEIGLE (entice/influence through charm), where the first is a milder positive motive and the second is a more active, potentially manipulative pursuit. Similarly, PLAN can lead to SCHEME (plan in a negative/devious way). The relationship is neutral term : more negative/intense version. Options A, B, D pair synonyms or neutral terms. Option E pairs negative terms without the neutral-negative progression.

URBANE (sophisticated) is opposite to GAUCHERIE (social awkwardness). Similarly, GUILELESS (honest/frank) is opposite to CHICANERY (trickery/deception). The relationship is antonyms. Option A pairs confident with coterie (group), not antonyms. Option B pairs calculating with imposture (deception), both negative. Option C pairs diffident (shy) with goodwill, not antonyms. Option D pairs fearful with destruction, unrelated.

COMPLIANT means willing to comply, while SERVILE means excessively submissive or obsequious. Similarly, TRUSTING means willing to trust, while GULLIBLE means excessively trusting to a fault. The relationship is positive trait : negative excess of that trait. Option B pairs negative traits without excess. Option C pairs positive traits without excess. Option D pairs positive traits without excess. Option E pairs negative traits without the excess relationship.

A CARET (^) is a symbol used to mark INSERTION point in text. Similarly, a COMMA is a symbol used to mark a PAUSE in text. The relationship is symbol : function. Option A pairs a symbol with its meaning, not its function. Option B pairs a tool with its function, but not a textual symbol. Option D pairs a concept with agreement, not a symbol-function relationship. Option E pairs a tool with attachment, not a symbol.

PATRIOTIC (love for country) represents a positive form, while CHAUVINISTIC represents an excessive, negative form of the same trait. Similarly, RECEPTIVE (open to ideas) represents a positive form, while GULLIBLE represents an excessive, negative form (too easily influenced). The relationship is positive trait : negative excess. Option A pairs negative traits without excess relationship. Option B pairs synonyms. Option C pairs synonyms. Option E pairs synonyms.