Question 1

Garrulous : taciturn ::
A)lucrative : unprofitable
B)melancholy : dejection
C)macabre : gruesome
D)consensus : disagreement

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, garrulous and taciturn are antonyms. Garrulous means talkative and taciturn means quiet and introverted. Therefore, look for the pair that contains antonyms. In choice (A), lucrative means profitable and well-paid, not unprofitable, so eliminate that choice. In choice (B), melancholy means sadness or dejection. These are synonyms, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), someone who is macabre is ghoulish or gruesome. Since these are synonyms, eliminate that choice. In choice (D), a consensus is a compromise or an agreement, not a disagreement, so that is the correct choice.

Question 2

Germane : irrelevant ::
A)omniscient : pansophical
B)navigable : treacherous
C)punctilious : conscientious
D)pellucid : transparent

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, germane and irrelevant are antonyms. Germane means relevant and useful, not irrelevant. So, look for the answer pair that contains antonyms. In choice (A), omniscient and pansophical both mean all-knowing or almighty. They are synonyms, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), someone who is punctilious is very conscientious and socially correct. These are synonyms, so eliminate that choice. In choice (D), pellucid means clear or transparent. These are synonyms, so eliminate that choice. In choice (B), navigable means that something is crossable or passable, not treacherous and difficult to penetrate. Therefore, choice (B) is correct.

Question 3

Gossamer : diaphanous ::
A)traitor : subversive
B)skeptic : sinister
C)treatise : succinct
D)adversary : affable

Accepted Answer

In the first part of the analogy, gossamer is a type of filmy, gauzy fabric. Diaphanous means sheer and light, nearly transparent. Therefore, the second word, diaphanous, describes gossamer. Look for the answer pair in which the second term describes the first. In choice (B), a skeptic is a person who is cynical, or a non-believer, but not necessarily sinister or evil, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), a treatise is a long, formal writing on a subject, and not usually succinct and to the point, so eliminate choice (C). In choice (D), an adversary is someone who opposes someone else. Adversaries are not affable or friendly, so eliminate choice (D). In choice (A), a traitor is a person who tries to overthrow the government by secret or subversive means. Subversive describes a traitor, so this is the correct choice.

Question 4

Tome : read
A)filibuster : chat
B)weapon : brandish
C)odyssey : enlist
D)prognosis : forecast

Accepted Answer

A tome is a book, usually a volume of a larger work. Therefore, the relationship between these words is that the second word is done to (or with) the first. Choice (A) is incorrect because one does not chat to or with a filibuster. A filibuster is an exceptionally long speech by one person, usually to stop the adoption of a measure in a legislative assembly. Choice (C) is incorrect because one does not enlist or join an odyssey or an adventure. One might undertake an odyssey, but enlist does not have the same relationship as the initial pair. Choice (D) is incorrect because prognosis and forecast are synonyms; they do not have the same relationship as tome and read. Choice (B) is correct because one can brandish, or wield, a weapon.

Question 5

Gregarious : convivial ::
A)pernicious : innocuous
B)sinuous : serpentine
C)surreal : mundane
D)ribald : refined

Accepted Answer

Someone that is gregarious is convivial. Both of these mean sociable and outgoing. In choice (A), pernicious means harmful or destructive, which is the opposite of innocuous or harmless. These are antonyms, so eliminate choice (A). In choice (C), surreal means bizarre or dreamlike. Mundane means ordinary or commonplace. These are antonyms, so eliminate choice (C). In choice (D), ribald means vulgar or coarse, the opposite of refined, so eliminate that choice. In choice (B), something that is sinuous is serpentine; both of these mean twisting or winding. This is the only answer choice that contains synonyms.

Question 6

Haughty : modest ::
A)baleful : malicious
B)cogent : unconvincing
C)diffident : reticent
D)contentious : pugnacious

Accepted Answer

Haughty means arrogant and self-important, not modest. So, look for the answer choice that contains antonyms. In answer choice (A), baleful and malicious are synonyms, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), diffident is a synonym of reticent, or shy, so eliminate that choice. In choice (D), contentious and pugnacious both mean argumentative, so eliminate that choice. Choice (B) is the only choice containing antonyms. Cogent means convincing, forceful, and rational, not unconvincing.

Question 7

Heresy : unorthodoxy ::
A)matriculation : commencement
B)harangue : oratory
C)forbearance : impatience
D)epidemic : scourge

Accepted Answer

Heresy and unorthodoxy are synonyms for something that is profane or sacrilegious. So, look for the answer choice that contains synonyms. Choice (A) is incorrect because matriculation means to be admitted to the university as a student, and commencement is the same as graduation. Choice (B) is incorrect because a harangue is a type of oratory - a long, passionate speech. These words do not have a synonymous relationship, however. Choice (C) is incorrect because forbearance implies patience or leniency, not impatience. Choice (D) is the answer choice that contains synonyms. Another word for an epidemic is a scourge.

Question 8

Hubris : presumption ::
A)quiescence : pandemonium
B)profligacy : prudence
C)ostentation : pretension
D)temperance : overindulgence

Accepted Answer

Hubris means overbearing pride or presumption, so look for the answer choice that contains synonyms. Choice (A) is incorrect because quiescence means a state of calm or stillness and pandemonium is a state of disorder or turmoil. Choice (B) is also incorrect. Profligacy means extravagance or decadence, and prudence means frugality or thriftiness. These are antonyms, so eliminate this choice. In choice (D), temperance means restraint or self-control, not an overindulgence. In choice (C), ostentation means to show pretense, or to display something in order to impress others. This is the synonym pair.

Question 9

Taunt : spiteful
A)expression : vex
B)secret : divulge
C)jurisprudence : biased
D)gerrymander : divide

Accepted Answer

A taunt is a sarcastic insult, intended to be spiteful or hurtful. Choice (A) is incorrect because an expression is not intended to vex or trouble someone. Choice (B) is incorrect because a secret is not intended to be divulged or told. Choice (C) is incorrect as well. Jurisprudence is supposed to be fair and even-handed; it is not intended to be biased. Therefore, choice (D) is correct. A gerrymander is the division of a state into districts to give one political party an advantage. Therefore, gerrymander is intended to divide.

Question 10

Idyllic : tranquil ::
A)languid : leisurely
B)mordant : gentle
C)pensive : thoughtless
D)mellifluous : callous

Accepted Answer

Idyllic means peaceful, relaxing, and tranquil. So, look for the answer choice that contains synonyms. Choice (B) is incorrect because it contains antonyms. Mordant means scathing and sarcastic, not gentle, so eliminate that choice. Choice (C) is incorrect, because it contains antonyms. Pensive means thoughtful and meditative, not thoughtless. Choice (D) is incorrect as well. Mellifluous means smooth, and callous means harsh, so eliminate that choice. Choice (A) contains synonyms. Languid and leisurely are synonyms for unhurried and relaxed.

Question 11

Ignominious : reprehensible ::
A)audacious : pusillanimous
B)surly : considerate
C)reverent : derisive
D)peerless : superior

Accepted Answer

Ignominious means humiliating, shameful, and reprehensible, so look for the answer choice that contains synonyms. Choice (A) is incorrect. Audacious means daring and bold, while pusillanimous means spineless and weak. Choice (B) is also incorrect because it contains antonyms. Surly means gruff and impolite, not considerate. Choice (C) is incorrect because reverent means respectful, not derisive, rude, or disrespectful. In choice (D), peerless means without equal, or superior, so that is the correct choice.

Question 12

Impecunious : affluent ::
A)fecund : barren
B)hermetic : airtight
C)insipid : dull
D)blithe : unconcerned

Accepted Answer

Impecunious means poor, and affluent means wealthy and prosperous, so look for the answer choice that contains antonyms. In choice (B), hermetic means enclosed or airtight; these are synonyms, so eliminate that choice. Likewise, in choice (C), insipid means the same as dull or unexciting. In choice (D), blithe means unconcerned and carefree; this is a synonymous relationship as well, so eliminate this choice. In choice (A), fecund means productive or fruitful, not barren. This is the answer choice with antonyms, so it is correct.

Question 13

Imperious : subservient ::
A)lithe : supple
B)obsequious : flattering
C)spurious : unauthentic
D)perfidious : frank

Accepted Answer

Imperious means domineering or authoritative, not subservient or submissive. Therefore, look for the answer choice that contains antonyms. In choice (A), lithe means supple or flexible, so eliminate that choice. In choice (B), obsequious means flattering or fawning over someone, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), spurious means something that is imitation or unauthentic, so eliminate that choice. In choice (D), perfidious means deceitful or dishonest, not frank and candid, so that is the correct choice.

Question 14

Autocracy : individual ::
A)idiocracy : unwise
B)meritocracy : talented
C)theocracy : multitude
D)aristocracy : indigent

Accepted Answer

An autocracy is a system in which one individual is rewarded with power. Therefore, look for the answer choice in which the second word is the most important part of the first word. Choice (A) is incorrect. An idiocracy is not a system at all, but something that is peculiar to a person, or an idiosyncracy. In choice (C), a theocracy is a system in which a deity is considered the one with the most power, not a multitude of others. In choice (D), an aristocracy is a system in which the nobles wield power, not the indigent, or poor. Choice (B) is correct. In a meritocracy, distribution of power is based on people's ability and talent.

Question 15

Corporeal : body
A)meningeal : mind
B)osteal : brain
C)arboreal : trees
D)boreal : south

Accepted Answer

Corporeal means 'of the body', so search for the pair in which the first term is descriptive of the second. In choice (A), meningeal does not have to do with the mind, but with the covering of the brain, so eliminate that choice. In choice (B), osteal has to do with bones or the skeleton, not the brain. In choice (D), boreal means 'related to the north', not the south. Therefore, the correct choice is (C). Arboreal means having to do with trees.

Question 16

Impromptu : extemporaneous ::
A)tepid : enthusiastic
B)uncouth : gracious
C)sedentary : inactive
D)cursory : painstaking

Accepted Answer

Impromptu and extemporaneous both means unprepared or unrehearsed. So, look for the answer choice that contains synonyms. In choice (A), tepid means lukewarm or halfhearted, not enthusiastic, so eliminate that choice. In choice (B), uncouth means uncivilized or crude, not gracious, so eliminate that choice. In choice (D), cursory means hasty or superficial, not painstaking and meticulous, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), sedentary means the same as inactive, so this is the correct choice.

Question 17

Incense : placate ::
A)lionize : glorify
B)lament : mourn
C)obliterate : eradicate
D)proliferate : diminish

Accepted Answer

In choice (A), to lionize someone means to glorify them. These words are synonyms, so eliminate that choice. In choice (B), to lament means to mourn or grieve over, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), to obliterate means to eradicate or demolish. Choice (D) is correct, as it is the only choice containing antonyms. To proliferate means to multiply or flourish, not to decrease or diminish.

Question 18

Incongruous : consistent ::
A)prodigious : exceptional
B)indiscriminate : haphazard
C)recondite : mainstream
D)raucous : boisterous

Accepted Answer

The word incongruous means out of place or incompatible, not consistent or regular. Therefore, look for the answer choice that contains antonyms. In choice (A), prodigious means exceptional or extraordinary, which are synonyms, so eliminate that choice. In choice (B), indiscriminate and haphazard are adjectives that mean by chance. They are synonyms, so eliminate that choice. In choice (D), raucous is a synonym for boisterous or rowdy, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), recondite means obscure or little known, not mainstream. This is the choice that contains antonyms, so this is the correct answer.

Question 19

Atheist : disbelieves
A)pedagogue : ministers
B)demagogue : rebuts
C)agnostic : questions
D)sybarite : composes

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, consider the relationship between the two words: an atheist disbelieves in God. In choice (A), a pedagogue teaches, he/she does not minister. In choice (B), a demagogue empassions people, affecting them with words. A demagogue does not typically rebut or deny something. In choice (D), a sybarite is one who is devoted to pleasure and luxury, not one who composes. Therefore, the correct answer is choice (C). An agnostic is one who questions the existence of God.

Question 20

Indolence : sloth ::
A)solecism : blunder
B)tempestuous : unperturbed
C)certain : tentative
D)visceral : realistic

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, indolence and sloth are synonyms for lazy. In choice (B), tempestuous means emotional and stormy, while unperturbed means tranquil and calm.
In choice (C), certain and tentative are antonyms; tentative means hesitant or unsure, not certain. Choice (D) contains antonyms as well. Visceral means intuitive or instinctive, not realistic or based on fact.In choice (A), the words solecism and blunder are both synonyms for error or mistake. Therefore, choice (A) is correct.

Quiz 1: Analogies

Garrulous : taciturn ::

Germane : irrelevant ::

Gossamer : diaphanous ::

Tome : read

Gregarious : convivial ::

Haughty : modest ::

Heresy : unorthodoxy ::

Hubris : presumption ::

Taunt : spiteful

Idyllic : tranquil ::

Ignominious : reprehensible ::

Impecunious : affluent ::

Imperious : subservient ::

Autocracy : individual ::

Corporeal : body

Impromptu : extemporaneous ::

Incense : placate ::

Incongruous : consistent ::

Atheist : disbelieves

Indolence : sloth ::