Verbal Analogies

To damp means to reduce or stop vibrations, like a damper stops a vibrating string. Similarly, to stanch means to stop or reduce the flow of liquid (especially blood). The relationship is 'verb : noun it stops/reduces'. Drench creates moisture rather than stopping it. Concentrate might be related to extraction but the direction is wrong. Boiling creates liquid state change, not stopping. Seal and perforation are opposites.

Astrology is the pseudoscientific predecessor to the scientific study of astronomy. Similarly, alchemy is the pseudoscientific predecessor to chemistry. Both pairs show 'pseudo-science : actual science' with the first being an unscientific, mystical version that preceded the latter's scientific method. Homeopathy and zoology don't have this historical predecessor relationship - they're separate fields. Mythology and classics aren't a science pair. Pedagogy and phenomenology aren't predecessor-successor pairs.

A barrage is an overwhelming, concentrated artillery attack using explosives. A deluge is an overwhelming, concentrated downpour of rain. The relationship is 'overwhelming display : its primary substance'. Cacophony is harsh sounds, not a relationship of 'overwhelming : medium'. Vista is just a view, not an overwhelming display. Grenade is a weapon that uses bombs, not the display itself. A volcano releases lava but isn't the overwhelming display in the same sense.

To equivocate means to speak ambiguously to avoid making a commitment or taking a clear position. Similarly, to procrastinate means to delay or avoid taking action. The relationship is 'evasive action : what is being avoided'. Implicate doesn't avoid exposition - it creates it. Expostulate means to argue earnestly, not avoid confusion. Corroborate supports truth rather than avoiding falsification. Fabricate creates explanation rather than avoiding it.

Clank : chain

Cumulus is a type of cloud - specific to general relationship. Evergreen is a type of tree, showing the same relationship. Corona relates to Sun but not as type to category. Carnivore is defined by eating meat, not being a type of meat. Glacier relates to blizzard by ice but not type-category.

Self-portrait : artist

Bias : bigot

Skin : fruit

An excerpt is a selection taken from a book. The relationship is part-to-whole where the first is a representative portion of the second. A clip is a short segment taken from a film, maintaining the same relationship.

A concert is an event performed for an audience. The relationship is event:observer. A game is an event played for spectators. Both pairs show an entertainment event and the people who watch it.

Clientele is a collective term referring to customers, especially of a business. The relationship is collective term:group it refers to. Faculty is a collective term for teachers or professors at an educational institution. Both pairs show a formal collective term and the specific group it represents.

Carve is the action performed on a turkey (specifically, to slice it for serving). The relationship is action:object. Slice is the action performed on a cake to portion it. Both pairs show a cutting action performed on a food item.

A blueprint is a plan or guide used to construct a building. The relationship is plan:thing it guides. An agenda is a plan or list of items to be addressed in a meeting. Both pairs show a structured plan that guides the execution of an activity or project.

Retouch means to make minor improvements or corrections to a picture. The relationship is improvement action:object. Emend means to correct or improve text. Both pairs show a refining action performed on a creative work.