Infographics: Vocabulary

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Mastering Verbal Analogies
Analogies are fundamental to verbal reasoning, requiring you to identify relationships between word pairs. This 
comprehensive guide will help you understand different types of analogies and master the techniques to solve them 
effectively. Whether you're preparing for competitive exams or strengthening your vocabulary skills, understanding these 
patterns is essential for success.
Completing Analogous Pair
Find the missing element in the second pair based on 
the relationship in the first pair
Example: Oasis : Sand :: Island : ?
Simple Analogy
Identify the relationship and complete the statement
Example: Cold is to Ice as Hot is to...
Choosing Analogous Pair
Select the pair from options that mirrors the given 
relationship
Example: Borrow : Steal
Multiple Word Analogy
Work with three-element pairs instead of two
Example: Music : Guitar : Performer
The Three-Step Bridge Method
This proven technique helps you solve analogies systematically and accurately. The bridge method creates a strong logical 
connection between word pairs.
01
Build a Strong Bridge
Create a short, clear sentence that 
relates the words in the question pair. 
Keep it precise and specific.
02
Test Each Option
Apply your bridge sentence to each 
answer choice, inserting them in place 
of the original words.
03
Find the Best Match
The answer will be the option that 
makes the most logical sense. Adjust 
your bridge if needed.
Word-Based Examples
Bad : Terrible ³ Something extremely bad is terrible
Candy : Sweet ³ A characteristic of candy is 
sweetness
Finger : Hand ³ A finger is part of a hand
Flow : River ³ Water in a river flows
Common Relationships
Cause and Effect
Part to Whole
Characteristic/Quality
Degree of Intensity
Function or Purpose
Category/Type
Special Analogy Types
1
Number-Based Analogy
Find mathematical relationships 
between number pairs
Example: 7 : 24 :: 23 : ?
Look for patterns like 
multiplication, addition, squares, 
or other operations
2
Alphabet-Based Analogy
Identify patterns in letter 
sequences or positions
Example: F JUL : BOQQ :: LHRX : ?
Consider positional values, shifts, 
or alphabetical patterns
3
Mixed Analogy
Combine letters and numbers 
using positional logic
Example: T/J : 2 :: X/H : ?
Calculate using alphabetical 
positions (T=20, J=10, so 
20÷10=2)
Practice Questions with Solutions
Question 1
Human : Lip :: Bird : ?
(a) Bush (b) Grass (c) Forest (d) 
Beak
Answer: (d) Beak
Humans use lips to eat; birds use 
beaks to collect food
Question 2
Paw : Cat :: Hoof : ?
(a) Lamb (b) Elephant (c) Lion (d) 
Horse
Answer: (d) Horse
Cats have paws; horses have 
hooves
Question 3
Ornithologist : Bird :: Archaeologist 
: ?
(a) Islands (b) Mediators (c) 
Archaeology (d) Aquatic
Answer: (c) Archaeology
An ornithologist specialises in birds; 
an archaeologist specialises in 
archaeology
Key Success Strategies
Identify the Relationship First
Before looking at options, clearly understand how 
the given words relate. Is it cause-effect, part-
whole, or characteristic? This clarity guides your 
choice.
Be Specific and Precise
General relationships lead to confusion. The more 
specific your bridge sentence, the easier it 
becomes to eliminate wrong answers.
Eliminate Systematically
Test each option methodically using your bridge 
sentence. Cross out answers that don't fit logically 
with the established relationship.
Practice Regularly
Exposure to various analogy types builds pattern 
recognition. Regular practice sharpens your ability 
to spot relationships quickly and accurately.
Pro Tip: When stuck between two options, refine your bridge sentence to be more specific. The correct answer 
will always maintain the exact same relationship as the question pair4no approximations or loose connections.