Analogies

An analogy is a comparison between two things that are alike in some ways but different in others. It shows a relationship between pairs of words or concepts.


  • Term A : Term B :: Term C : Term D
    • Term A and Term B form one pair (called the base).
    • Term C and Term D form the other pair (called the analogy).

  • Synonym Analogies: Relate words with similar meanings (e.g., hot : sweltering).
  • Antonym Analogies: Relate words with opposite meanings (e.g., dark : light).
  • Part to Whole Analogies: Relate a part of something to the whole thing (e.g., wheel : car).
  • Tool to Function Analogies: Relate a tool to its purpose (e.g., pen : write).
  • Category Analogies: Relate items that belong to the same category (e.g., tulip : flower).

  • Identify the Relationship: Determine how the first pair of words relate to each other.
  • Apply the Relationship: Apply the same relationship to the second pair of words.
  • Check for Consistency: Ensure that the relationship holds true in both pairs.

  • Enhance critical thinking skills by requiring students to identify and understand relationships between words or concepts.
  • Improve vocabulary by exploring different word relationships.
  • Aid in problem-solving and reasoning abilities.

  • Regularly solve analogy puzzles or exercises to strengthen analogy-solving skills.
  • Use context clues and word meanings to help decipher relationships.
  • Discuss different types of analogies to understand their varied applications.