Lesson: Analogies - 12

Types of Analogies

Most Analogies fall into one of several types, identified here by sample sentences. If you know the various types of Analogy questions, you can make plugging faster to select option choice. In each sentence, the two blanks indicate where you plug in the two words

“________ is a key characteristic of ________.”

“________ is a function or use of ________.”

“________ runs contrary in meaning to ________.”

“________ operates against ________.”

“________ is a type, form, or example of ________.”

“________ is a place or environment for ________.”

“________ is a condition for or indient of ________.”

“________ is a part, element, or aspect of ________.”

“________ is evidence or a result of ________.”

Knowing these types will help make your task easier. But don’t expect to solve every Analogy simply by plugging the word pair into one of these nine sentences. This might work for easier questions, but for tougher ones you’ll need to refine the relationship further to home in on the correct answer.

In the pages ahead, you’ll learn that each category includes at least a few distinct variations or patterns. For each category, you’ll find sentences and illustrative word pairs to help you recognize each pattern when you see it on the exam.

Analogies Characteristic

In this type of relationship, one word helps explain the meaning of the other word. Look for one of two distinct patterns to help you refine the relationship:

Defining characteristic Ideal (but not necessary) characteristic

Hint

DEFINING CHARACTERISTIC

“________ is a characteristic that defines what a ________ is.”

“By definition, a ________ is ________.”

BRAVE : HERO

NOVEL : INVENTION (novel means “original or new”)

ALTRUISM : PHILANTHROPIST (a philanthropist is a generous humanitarian; altruism means “good will or benevolence”)

Hint

IDEAL (BUT NOT NECESSARY) CHARACTERISTIC

“An effective ________ must be ________.”

“An ideal ________ should be ________.”

SWORD : SHARP

FOUNDATION : STRENGTH

SURGEON : DEXTEROUS (dexterous means “skillful with one’s hands”)

Example

Example Solution

Explanation

The correct answer is (E). RISK inherently involves UNCERTAINTY; in other words, uncertainty is part of the definition of risk. Is dread a defining characteristic of hope? No. Dread means “apprehension or fear of a future event.” So the two words are contrary in meaning, and choice (A) is not correct. Is guilt a defining characteristic of an accusation? No. A person who is accused may not be guilty. In other words, guilt is not part of the definition of an accusation, so choice (B) is not a good answer. Is dishonesty a defining characteristic of disrespect? No; so you can eliminate choice (C). Is straightness a defining characteristic of arrow? No, so choice (D) is out. A cloud inherently requires a dee of haziness; in other words, haziness is part of what defines a cloud. Choice (E) is a good analogy.

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