Question 1

Nascent : burgeoning ::
A)involute : simple
B)lachrymose : tearful
C)prosaic : inspiring
D)saturnine : optimistic

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, nascent means budding or burgeoning - new. These are synonyms, so look for the choice that contains synonyms. In choice (A), involute means complex, not simple, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), prosaic means everyday or dull, the opposite of inspiring. In choice (D), saturnine means gloomy or dark, not optimistic, so eliminate that choice. The only choice that contains synonyms is (B). Someone who is lachrymose is tearful, so (B) is correct.

Question 2

Nebulous : precise ::
A)lurid : gruesome
B)insouciant : unconcerned
C)luculent : clear
D)piquant : bland

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, something that is nebulous is vague or ill-defined, not precise. So, look for the answer choice that contains antonyms. In choice (A), something that is lurid is gruesome and shocking, so eliminate that choice. In choice (B), something that is insouciant is carefree and unconcerned. In choice (C), something that is luculent is easily understood and clear. The only choice that contains antonyms is choice (D). Something that is piquant is spicy or tangy, not bland or tasteless.

Question 3

Obstreperous : fractious ::
A)specious : inaccurate
B)urbane : unrefined
C)stygian : illuminated
D)austere : opulent

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, obstreperous and fractious both mean hostile and bad-tempered. Therefore, look for the answer choice that contains synonyms. In choice (B), something that is urbane is elegant, not unrefined. In choice (C), stygian refers to something that is dark and gloomy, not illuminated. In choice (D), something that is austere is stark and somber, not opulent and luxurious. Choice (A) contains synonyms. Specious means erroneous or inaccurate.

Question 4

Obviate : preclude ::
A)petrify : fossilize
B)upbraid : flatter
C)jettison : preserve
D)negate : reinforce

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, to obviate means to prevent or preclude. So, look for the answer choice that contains synonyms. In choice (B), to upbraid means to reprimand, not to flatter. In choice (C), to jettison means to discard, not to preserve or keep. In choice (D), to negate means to cancel out or contradict, not to reinforce or support. In choice (A), to petrify or to fossilize means to harden or to solidify.

Question 5

Occlude : obstruct ::
A)debunk : substantiate
B)languish : prosper
C)slake : satisfy
D)rebuke : extol

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, to occlude and to obstruct mean the same thing - to hinder or get in the way. Therefore, look for the answer choice that contains synonyms. In choice (A), to debunk means to disprove, not to substantiate or verify. In choice (B), to languish means to pine away or decay, not prosper or thrive. In choice (D), a rebuke is a reprimand, while to extol means to pay tribute or admire. The only choice with synonyms is (C). To slake means to quench or satisfy.

Question 6

Ostensible : inconspicuous ::
A)assiduous : sedulous
B)chary : cautious
C)cognizant : unaware
D)austere : unadorned

Accepted Answer

Ostensible means apparent or perceived, not inconspicuous, or unnoticeable. So, look for the answer pair that contains antonyms. In choice (A), assiduous means diligent and hard-working, as does sedulous. These are synonyms, so eliminate choice (A). In choice (B), chary means cautious or wary, so eliminate that choice. In choice (D), austere means serious or somber. Something that is austere is definitely not adorned with anything, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), to be cognizant is to be aware or mindful, not unaware.

Question 7

Palpable : intangible ::
A)acarpous : fertile
B)ambrosial : conciliatory
C)cordial : sincere
D)covert : disguised

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, something that is palpable is able to be felt, or obvious, and something that is intangible is not concrete or vague. These are antonyms, so look for the answer pair that contains antonyms. In choice (B), ambrosial means pleasing to taste, while conciliatory means peace-making or appeasing. These words are not closely related, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), someone who is cordial is pleasant, friendly, and sincere. These are not antonyms, so eliminate that choice. In choice (D), something that is covert is secret or disguised, so eliminate that choice. In choice (A), something that is acarpous is sterile, or does not produce fruit. This is the opposite of fertile, so choice (A) is correct.

Question 8

Paradigm : archetype ::
A)auxiliary : support
B)cloture : enclosure
C)combustion : decorum
D)decree : abdication

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, paradigm and archetype are synonyms meaning an example that serves as a model. In choice (B), cloture is the process of ending debate by voting, which is unrelated to an enclosure. In choice (C), combustion means ignition or burning, while decorum means properness. These words are unrelated, so eliminate choice (C). In choice (D), a decree is an order given by an authority, while abdication means to give up. These words are not closely related, so eliminate that choice. In choice (A), something that is auxiliary is a support or a back-up. Choice (A) is the only choice with synonyms, so it is the correct choice.

Question 9

Pedantic : doctrinaire ::
A)frugal : extravagant
B)discrete : distinct
C)imperturbable : excitable
D)meretricious : praiseworthy

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, pedantic and doctrinaire both mean to closely follow one's teaching. They are synonymous, so look for the answer choice that contains synonyms. In choice (A), frugal means economical or thrifty, the opposite of extravagant, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), imperturbable means calm, and not capable of being excited, so eliminate that choice. In choice (D), meretricious means alluring, but in a vulgar or flashy way, based on pretense or insincerity. Therefore, something that is meretricious is not praiseworthy, so eliminate choice (D). In choice (B), discrete means separate or distinct, so that is the correct answer.

Question 10

Penchant : proclivity ::
A)aversion : complaisance
B)asperity : conceit
C)connotation : suggestion
D)derision : compliment

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, both penchant and proclivity mean a strong inclination or tendency. Therefore, look for the answer pair that contains synonyms. In choice (A), an aversion is a dislike or hatred of something, and complaisance means tending to comply or obey. These are unrelated, so eliminate that choice. In choice (B), asperity means rough, harsh, or ill-tempered, and conceit means an overly high opinion of oneself. These are not related, so eliminate that choice. In choice (D), derision means ridicule, and is the opposite of a compliment, so eliminate that choice. Choice (C) is the only option with synonyms. A connotation is a suggestion or implication, so that is the correct choice.

Question 11

Peremptory : indecisive ::
A)cryptic : enigmatic
B)daunting : intimidating
C)emaciated : gaunt
D)extant : extinct

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, peremptory means authoritative or absolute, the opposite of indecisive, so look for the answer choice that contains antonyms. In choice (A), something that is cryptic is mysterious and like an enigma or puzzle (therefore, enigmatic), so eliminate choice (A). In choice (B), daunting and intimidating both mean something that is frighteningly overwhelming, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), something that is emaciated is gaunt and thin, so eliminate that choice. In choice (D), something that is extant is currently in existence, not extinct. Choice (D) is the only choice with antonyms, so it is the correct choice.

Question 12

Perfunctory : obligatory ::
A)susceptibility : imperviousness
B)tractable : disobedient
C)vindictive : compassionate
D)pusillanimous : cowardly

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, perfunctory and obligatory are synonyms that describe doing something in an automatic or dutiful way. So, look for the answer choice that contains synonyms. In choice (A), susceptibility means that one is vulnerable or predisposed, while imperviousness means that something that is resistant. Therefore, eliminate choice (A). In choice (B), tractable means easily controlled or guided, not disobedient, so eliminate choice (B). In choice (C), someone who is vindictive has a desire for revenge, while someone who is compassionate is kindhearted and forgiving, so eliminate choice (C). In choice (D), pusillanimous means timid or cowardly, so that is the correct choice.

Question 13

Pernicious : detrimental ::
A)splenetic : acrimonious
B)eloquent : punitive
C)commodious : restricted
D)erratic : consistent

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, something that is pernicious is hurtful or detrimental, so look for the answer choice that contains synonyms. In choice (B), someone who is eloquent is expressive and articulate, not punitive. These words are not related, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), something that is commodious is spacious, not restricted, so eliminate that choice. In choice (D), something that is erratic is unpredictable and irregular, not consistent. In choice (A), something that is splenetic is nasty in behavior or speech, which is a synonym for acrimonious. Therefore, choice (A) is correct.

Question 14

Petulant : affable ::
A)volatile : capricious
B)febrile : feverish
C)noxious : deleterious
D)nefarious : reputable

Accepted Answer

In choice (A), volatile and capricious are synonyms meaning impulsive and explosive. They are not antonyms, so eliminate that choice. In choice (B), something that is febrile has a fever; these are synonymous, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), something that is noxious is harmful or injurious - another word for deleterious. These are synonyms, so eliminate that choice. In choice (D), the word nefarious means wicked or despicable, not reputable or highly regarded. These are antonyms, so choice (D) is correct.

Question 15

Pique : vex ::
A)beatify : aver
B)constrict : compress
C)curtail : extend
D)disinter : purvey

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, to pique and to vex both mean to irritate or annoy someone. Therefore, look for the answer choice that contains synonyms. In choice (A), to beatify something means to bless or sanctify it, not to aver, which means simply to claim or profess. In choice (C), to curtail something means to put an end to, or shorten it, not extend it. In choice (D), to disinter means to dig something up out of the ground, while to purvey means to provide or sell. These words are unrelated, so eliminate that choice. In choice (B), to constrict means the same thing as to compress or tighten, so that is the correct choice.

Question 16

Plaintive : wistful
A)antediluvian : ancient
B)inchoate : mature
C)irascible : blasé
D)tacit : explicit

Accepted Answer

Something that is plaintive is wistful and mournful; these words are synonyms, so look for the answer choice that contains synonyms. In choice (B), inchoate means incomplete, or in the initial or early stages, not mature, so eliminate that choice. The words in choice (C) are antonyms; irascible means easily angered or short-tempered, not blasé or unconcerned. Therefore, eliminate choice (C). In choice (D), something that is tacit is unspoken or implied, not explicit or overt. These are antonyms, so eliminate choice (D). In choice (A), something that is antediluvian is ancient or outmoded; the word literally means 'before the flood'. These words are synonyms, so choice (A) is correct.

Question 17

Plethora : scarcity ::
A)guile : deceit
B)turpitude : depravity
C)agglomeration : collection
D)laggard : leader

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, plethora means a surplus or overabundance - the opposite of scarcity. So, look for the answer choice that contains antonyms. In choice (A), guile is skillful deceit, so eliminate those synonyms. In choice (B), turpitude is a synonym for depravity, both of which mean wickedness. In choice (C), an agglomeration refers to a jumbled mass or collection of parts, so eliminate that choice. Choice (D) is the choice that contains antonyms. A laggard is someone who is a slacker or straggler, not a leader.

Question 18

Pliant : obstinate ::
A)bequest : death
B)ponderous : heavy
C)vacuous : cerebral
D)abject : blissful

Accepted Answer

The first half of the analogy contains antonyms. Something that is pliant is flexible and compliant, not obstinate and stubborn. So, look for the answer pair that contains antonyms. In choice (A), a bequest is a gift or legacy that is left at death, but they do not have the same relationship as pliant-obstinate. In choice (B), something that is ponderous is heavy and cumbersome, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), someone that is vacuous is without intelligence, not cerebral, or a thinker. Choice (D) is the antonym choice; abject means miserable, not blissful.

Question 19

Poignant : dispassionate ::
A)adroit : skillful
B)brazen : insolent
C)chimerical : realistic
D)comely : attractive

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, poignant and dispassionate are antonyms. Poignant means emotional and heartrending, not dispassionate. In choice (A), someone who is adroit is skillful and adept, so eliminate that choice. In choice (B), someone who is brazen is insolent - bold and shameless. In choice (D), someone who is comely is attractive or nice-looking. The only choice that contains antonyms is choice (C). Something that is chimerical is highly unrealistic, or fantastically improbable, not realistic, so that is the correct choice.

Question 20

Precarious : committed ::
A)brusque : abrupt
B)contentious : quarrelsome
C)decorous : proper
D)dolorous : joyful

Accepted Answer

In the first half of the analogy, the words precarious and committed are antonyms. Precarious means shaky or insecure, not committed, so look for the answer choice that contains antonyms. In choice (A), something that is brusque is abrupt or curt, so eliminate that choice. In choice (B), someone who is contentious is quarrelsome and difficult to get along with, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), something that is decorous is proper, and has decorum or good taste, so eliminate that choice. Choice (D) is the only choice that contains antonyms. Something that is dolorous is sorrowful, not joyful, so that is the correct choice.

Quiz 1: Analogies

Nascent : burgeoning ::

Nebulous : precise ::

Obstreperous : fractious ::

Obviate : preclude ::

Occlude : obstruct ::

Ostensible : inconspicuous ::

Palpable : intangible ::

Paradigm : archetype ::

Pedantic : doctrinaire ::

Penchant : proclivity ::

Peremptory : indecisive ::

Perfunctory : obligatory ::

Pernicious : detrimental ::

Petulant : affable ::

Pique : vex ::

Plaintive : wistful

Plethora : scarcity ::

Pliant : obstinate ::

Poignant : dispassionate ::

Precarious : committed ::