Analogies: challenge

Key Notes :

  • Analogy: A comparison between two things that are alike in some respects, often used to explain or clarify a concept by showing how it is similar to something else.
  • Example: Cat is to kitten as dog is to puppy. Here, “cat” and “dog” are the main subjects, and “kitten” and “puppy” are the related terms that describe their young.

  • Synonym Analogies: Show a relationship where two words are similar in meaning.
    • Happy : Joyful :: Sad : Unhappy
  • Antonym Analogies: Show a relationship where two words are opposite in meaning.
    • Hot : Cold :: Big : Small
  • Part to Whole Analogies: Show a relationship where one term is a part of the other.
    • Leaf : Tree :: Finger : Hand
  • Cause and Effect Analogies: Show a relationship where one term causes the other.
    • Study : Learn :: Exercise : Improve
  • Function Analogies: Show a relationship where one term describes the function of the other.
    • Pen : Write :: Brush : Paint

  • Analogies are typically written in the format: A is to B as C is to D.
  • Example: Dog : Bark :: Cat : Meow
  • In this example, “Dog” and “Cat” are the subjects, while “Bark” and “Meow” describe the sounds they make.

  1. Identify the Relationship: Determine the relationship between the first pair of words.
  2. Apply the Relationship: Use the identified relationship to find the word that fits the second pair.
  3. Verify the Solution: Ensure the relationship between the second pair matches the first pair.


  • Analogies often appear in standardized tests to assess critical thinking and vocabulary skills.
  • Practice with a variety of analogy types to build test-taking skills and improve reasoning abilities.

  • Pay close attention to the relationships in the given analogy.
  • Practice with diverse analogy types to become familiar with different relationships.
  • Double-check your answers to ensure the relationship holds true for all pairs.

  • Use visual aids such as diagrams or charts to illustrate relationships.
  • Provide numerous examples with varying levels of complexity to practice.

Let’s practice!🖊️