Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Analogies

An analogy is a comparison between two things that are similar in some way, often used to explain or clarify a concept. Analogies highlight relationships between words, ideas, or objects.

Types of Analogies:

  1. Literal Analogies - Compare similar things (e.g., "A heart is like a pump").
  2. Figurative Analogies - Compare dissimilar things to make a point (e.g., "Life is like a rollercoaster").

2. Types of Word Analogies

Word analogies test the ability to identify relationships between pairs of words. Common types include:

A. Synonym Analogies

Words with similar meanings.

Example 1: Happy : Joyful :: Sad : Sorrowful

Example 2: Begin : Commence :: End : Terminate

B. Antonym Analogies

Words with opposite meanings.

Example 1: Hot : Cold :: Light : Dark

Example 2: Love : Hate :: Success : Failure

3. Image-Based Analogies

These analogies use visual relationships instead of words. They are common in IQ tests and non-verbal reasoning exams.

Types of Image Analogies:

  1. Shape & Pattern Analogies

    Example: ▲ : △ :: ● : ○ (Filled shape : Hollow shape)

  2. Rotation & Reflection Analogies

    Example: ↑ : → :: ← : ↓ (90° clockwise rotation)

4. Solving Analogies: Step-by-Step Approach

  1. Identify the Relationship - Determine how the first pair is connected.
  2. Formulate a Sentence - Explain the relationship (e.g., "A wheel is part of a car").
  3. Apply the Same Logic - Find a pair that follows the same pattern.
  4. Check for Distractors - Eliminate incorrect options.

5. Common Mistakes in Solving Analogies

  • Ignoring Word Order - (e.g., "Author : Book" ≠ "Book : Author").
  • Overlooking Multiple Relationships - Some words may have more than one possible connection.
  • Choosing Superficial Connections - Avoid selecting pairs based on weak associations.

6. Analogies in Competitive Exams

Many exams (SAT, GRE, GMAT, Bank PO, SSC) include analogy questions to test logical reasoning and vocabulary.

Sample Questions:

1. Doctor : Hospital :: Teacher : ?

  (a) School (b) Book (c) Student (d) Class

  Answer: (a) School

2. Fish : Gills :: Human : ?

  (a) Lungs (b) Heart (c) Brain (d) Skin

  Answer: (a) Lungs

7. Practice Exercises

Word Analogies:

1. Pen : Write :: Knife : ?

  (a) Cut (b) Sharp (c) Blade (d) Metal

2. Cat : Meow :: Dog : ?

  (a) Bark (b) Purr (c) Hiss (d) Roar

Image Analogies:

3. 🔴 : 🔵 :: 🟢 : ?

  (a) 🟡 (b) ⚫ (c) 🟣 (d) ⚪

Answers: 1-a, 2-a, 3-a

8. Conclusion

Analogies enhance critical thinking by identifying relationships between concepts. Mastering them improves vocabulary, reasoning, and problem-solving skills in both verbal and visual formats.

Final Tip: Regular practice with different analogy types ensures better accuracy in exams and everyday reasoning.

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