Question 1

Tangential : irrelevant ::
A)nondescript : indistinctive
B)protean : inflexible
C)specious : valid
D)meager : sumptuous

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, the words tangential and irrelevant are synonyms, meaning extraneous or beside the point. So, look for the answer pair that contains synonyms. In choice (B), something that is protean is versatile, and may take many forms. This is the opposite of inflexible, so eliminate this choice. In choice (C), something that is specious is false or misleading, not valid, so eliminate that choice. In choice (D), something that is meager is not enough, not sumptuous or rich, so eliminate that choice. Choice (A) contains the synonyms. Something that is nondescript is unremarkable or not distinctive.

Question 2

Temerity : caginess ::
A)foible : shortcoming
B)hubris : arrogance
C)kismet : destiny
D)naivete' : sophisticated

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, temerity means boldness or audacity, and caginess means evasive or cautious. So, look for the answer choice that contains antonyms. In choice (A), a foible is a fault or shortcoming, so eliminate that choice. In choice (B), hubris and arrogance mean the same thing - conceit - so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), kismet means destiny; in fact, it is the Arabic word for fate, so eliminate that choice. Choice (D) contains the antonyms. The word naivete' refers to inexperience or "green", not sophisticated.

Question 3

Tenuous : compelling ::
A)potable : drinkable
B)raucous : disorderly
C)spurious : authentic
D)reprehensible : blameworthy

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, tenuous means weak and questionable, and compelling means forceful and persuasive. Therefore, look for the answer pair that contains antonyms. In choice (A), something that is potable is safe to drink, so eliminate that choice. In choice (B), raucous behavior is disorderly and rowdy, so eliminate that choice. In choice (D), something that is reprehensible is worthy of being blamed, or guilty, so eliminate that choice. The only choice that contains antonyms is choice (C). Something that is spurious is false or fake, not authentic, so this is the correct choice.

Question 4

Timorous : valiant ::
A)insalubrious : unwholesome
B)maniacal : insane
C)limpid : clear
D)provident : wasteful

Accepted Answer

The first half of the analogy contains antonyms. Timorous refers to someone who is nervous or fearful, the opposite of valiant and brave. So, look for the answer choice that contains antonyms. In choice (A), insalubrious means unhealthy or not wholesome, so eliminate that choice. In choice (B), maniacal describes a maniac, someone who is insane, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), limpid and clear are synonyms, so eliminate that choice. Choice (D) contains the antonyms. Someone who is provident is frugal and prepared, not wasteful, so that is the correct choice.

Question 5

Byzantine : straightforward
A)tenacious : yielding
B)prosaic : dull
C)resonant : echoing
D)ribald : profane

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, byzantine means complex or intricate not straightforward. So, look for the answer pair that contains antonyms. In choice (B), prosaic refers to something that lacks imagination, or is dull, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), resonant means deep and full of sound, or echoing, so eliminate that. In choice (D), something that is ribald - generally lewd humor - is profane, so eliminate that choice. Choice (A) is the synonym pair. Someone who is tenacious is firm and persistent - the opposite of yielding - so that is the correct choice.

Question 6

Trenchant : acerbic ::
A)intrepid : fearless
B)savory : distasteful
C)sporadic : regularly
D)tremulous : unwavering

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, trenchant and acerbic are both words that refer to something sharp or cutting - like a biting wit. So, look for the answer choice that contains synonyms. In choice (B), something that is savory is pleasing or delicious in flavor, not distasteful, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), something that is sporadic is intermittent, not regular, so eliminate that choice. In choice (D), something that is tremulous is shaky, not unwavering, so eliminate that choice. The choice that contains synonyms is (A). Someone who is intrepid is without fear, so that is the correct choice.

Question 7

Flotsam : drifts
A)commuter : decries
B)philanderer : flirts
C)sedition : quells
D)muffler : amplifies

Accepted Answer

Consider the first half of the analogy; flotsam is debris that drifts in the ocean. So, choose the pair in which the second word describes the actions of the first. In choice (A), a commuter travels, not decries or belittles, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), sedition incites or agitates, the opposite of quells, so eliminate that choice. In choice (D), a muffler silences, it does not amplify, so eliminate that choice. In choice (B), a philanderer is one who flirts - and possibly commits infidelity, so that is the correct choice.

Question 8

Umbrage : affront ::
A)mimicry : imitation
B)paucity : wealth
C)rancor : benevolence
D)predilection : antipathy

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, umbrage is an offense or an affront, so look for the answer pair that contains synonyms. In choice (B), paucity means a lack of, or scarcity, not wealth, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), rancor means bitterness or animosity, not benevolence and kindness, so eliminate that choice. In choice (D), a predilection is an inclination or a preference, while antipathy means dislike or disgust. These are not closely related, so eliminate that choice. Choice (A) contains the synonyms. Mimicry - or to mimic - means the same thing as imitation.

Question 9

Uncouth : urbane ::
A)insipid : dull
B)nubile : marriageable
C)untenable : defensible
D)precocious : advanced

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, the words are antonyms. Someone who is uncouth is uncivilized or bad-mannered. Someone who is urbane is refined and cultured. So, look for the answer pair that contains antonyms. In choice (A), something that is insipid is dull and unexciting, so eliminate that choice. In choice (B), someone who is nubile is of marriageable age, so eliminate that choice. In choice (D), someone who is precocious - like an intelligent child - is advanced, so eliminate that choice. Choice (C) contains the antonyms. Something that is untenable is indefensible; if you have an untenable position in an argument, your side is not defensible.

Question 10

Unfeigned : contrived ::
A)unctuous : genuine
B)puissant : powerful
C)irrefutable : undeniable
D)presumptuous : forward

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, something that is unfeigned is sincere and genuine, the opposite of contrived or plotted. So, look for the answer choice with antonyms. In choice (B), something that is puissant means strong and potent - powerful, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), something that is irrefutable is certain and undeniable, so eliminate that choice. In choice (D), a presumptuous person is overly forward, or takes liberties, so eliminate that choice. Choice (A) contains the antonyms. An unctuous person is bland, and insincerely suave, not genuine, so that is the correct choice.

Question 11

Vagary : whimsy ::
A)accolade : tribute
B)pathos : sentimentality
C)ascendancy : inferiority
D)canard : statement

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, the words are synonyms. A vagary is an impulse, or a whimsy, so look for the answer pair that contains synonyms. In choice (B), pathos is something that evokes pity, not something that is sentimental, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), ascendancy means rising to a position of controlling interest, not inferiority, so eliminate that choice. In choice (D), a canard is an unfounded false rumor, not a true statement, so eliminate that choice. The only answer pair that contains synonyms is choice (A). An accolade is a tribute or honor, so that is the correct choice.

Question 12

Venal : mercenary ::
A)replete : empty
B)tortuous : direct
C)bumptious : self-effacing
D)prodigal : wasteful

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, the words venal and mercenary mean the same thing - they describe someone who is bribable, or can be bought. So, look for the answer choice with synonyms. In choice (A), replete means full, not empty, so eliminate that choice. In choice (B), tortuous means winding, not direct, so eliminate that. In choice (C), someone who is bumptious is assertive in an offensive way, not self-effacing or modest, so eliminate that choice. The only choice that contains synonyms is choice (D). The word prodigal means wasteful and reckless with money, so that is the correct choice.

Question 13

Veracity : speciousness ::
A)innuendo : insinuation
B)partiality : bias
C)alacrity : listlessness
D)truculence : aggressiveness

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, veracity means truth, while speciousness means false or fake. So, look for the answer pair that contains antonyms. In choice (A), an innuendo is the same thing as an insinuation - they are both subtle suggestions. In choice (B), partiality means bias or favoritism, so eliminate that choice. Choice (D) also contains synonyms. Truculence is another word for aggressiveness or ferocity, so eliminate that choice. Choice (C) is the answer pair that is synonyms. Alacrity means enthusiasm and eagerness, while someone who exhibits listlessness lacks energy.

Question 14

Verdant : luxuriant ::
A)noisome : moral
B)innocuous : harmless
C)unequivocal : ambivalent
D)clandestine : emissary

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, the words verdant and luxurious are synonyms, so look for the answer choice that contains synonyms. In choice (A), someone who is noisome lacks ethics, so would not be described as moral. In choice (C), unequivocal means obvious and clear, not ambivalent or unsure, so eliminate that choice. In choice (D), an emissary (or spy) might be clandestine or secretive, but that pair does not have a synonymous relationship. Choice (B) contains the synonym pair. Something that is innocuous is harmless, so that is the correct choice.

Question 15

Verve : lethargy ::
A)probity : uprightness
B)deliquesce : dissolve
C)aberration : badinage
D)enmity : affinity

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, the words are antonyms. Verve means vitality and energy, while lethargy means laziness or sluggishness. So, look for the answer pair that contains antonyms. In choice (A), probity means uprightness and decency, so eliminate that choice. In choice (B), to deliquesce means to dissolve, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), an aberration is a deviation or an abnormality, while badinage refers to banter or joking talk. These words are completely unrelated, so eliminate this choice. Choice (D) contains the antonyms. To have enmity toward someone means to have hostile feelings toward them, while to have affinity is to have a kinship or an attraction to someone.

Question 16

Leonine : lion
A)ligneous : insect
B)simian : monkey
C)feline : tigress
D)porcine : porcupine

Accepted Answer

Consider the relationship between the words in the first half of the analogy. Something that is leonine is lion-like, so look for the answer pair in which the first word is descriptive of the second word. Choice (A) is incorrect, because ligneous means wood-like, or made of wood, so eliminate that choice. Choice (C) is incorrect, because feline refers to anything that is cat-like, not just female tiger-like. Choice (D) is incorrect, because porcine has to do with pigs, not with porcupines. The correct choice is (B). Something that is simian has to do with monkeys.

Question 17

Literati : intellectual ::
A)parvenu : rich
B)paparazzi : poseur
C)patrician : deficiency
D)glitterati : unfriendly

Accepted Answer

The relationship between the words in the first half of the analogy is a group of people, and how they are described. The literati is considered the 'intellectual class'. Therefore, look for the answer pair that has a similar relationship. In choice (B), the paparazzi are photographers, not poseurs, or pretenders, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), patricians were the aristocratic or noble class, so they had nothing to do with any deficiency. In choice (D), the glitterati are the jet-set, or the 'beautiful people'. They are typically very social, and not unfriendly, so eliminate choice (D). In choice (A), a parvenu refers to an upstart, who is newly rich. Therefore, that is the correct choice.

Question 18

Vivacious : languid ::
A)intermittent : periodic
B)sardonic : disdainful
C)sententious : sanctimonious
D)disaffected : loyal

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, vivacious and languid are antonyms. Vivacious means outgoing and lively, while languid means unenergetic and leisurely. So, look for the answer choice that contains antonyms. In choice (A), intermittent means from time to time, or periodic, so eliminate that choice. In choice (B), sardonic means sarcastic and disdainful, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), someone who is sententious is self-righteous, which is a synonym for sanctimonious or preachy. Eliminate choice (C). Choice (D) is the antonym pair. Someone who is disaffected lacks loyalty, so this is the correct choice.

Question 19

Cynophobia : dogs ::
A)bathophobia : water
B)dendrophobia : people
C)hemaphobia : blood
D)myctophobia : mice

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, cynophobia is the fear of dogs. This type of analogy tests your ability to consider Latin root words! Choice (A) is incorrect because bathophobia is the fear of depth, not the fear of water. Choice (B) is incorrect, because dendrophobia is the fear of trees, not people. Choice (D) is incorrect, because myctophobia is the fear of darkness, not the fear of mice. The choice that is correct is (C). Hemaphobia is the fear of blood.

Question 20

Bicentennial : 200 ::
A)vicennial : 25
B)sesquicentennial : 150
C)quinquennial : 50
D)perennial : 1

Accepted Answer

Bicentennial means occurring every 200 years. Vicennial means occurring every 20 years, so choice (A) is incorrect. Quinquennial refers to something that occurs every 5 years, and perennial refers to something that is continuous, or all the time. Sesquicentennial refers to something that occurs every 150 years, so choice (B) is correct.
This is a bit of an odd analogy, we know, but we wanted to include it to get you thinking about word roots.

Quiz 1: Analogies

Tangential : irrelevant ::

Temerity : caginess ::

Tenuous : compelling ::

Timorous : valiant ::

Byzantine : straightforward

Trenchant : acerbic ::

Flotsam : drifts

Umbrage : affront ::

Uncouth : urbane ::

Unfeigned : contrived ::

Vagary : whimsy ::

Venal : mercenary ::

Veracity : speciousness ::

Verdant : luxuriant ::

Verve : lethargy ::

Leonine : lion

Literati : intellectual ::

Vivacious : languid ::

Cynophobia : dogs ::

Bicentennial : 200 ::