Analogy – Reasoning Ability
Program: CUET PG
Subject: Reasoning Ability
1. Simple Explanation
An analogy asks you to find the relationship that exists between a pair of words (or numbers, figures, etc.) and then apply that same relationship to a second pair.
Typical formats:
- A : B :: C : ?
- A is to B as C is to D
The key is to identify the type of relationship (e.g., synonym, antonym, part‑whole, function, cause‑effect, sequence, etc.) and then use it to deduce the missing element.
2. Key Points
| # | What to Look For | How to Identify |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Semantic relationships (synonym, antonym, homonym, homograph, compound word, abbreviation, etc.) | Read the words; ask “What is the meaning of each pair?” |
| 2 | Logical/Mathematical patterns (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, pattern of numbers, shapes, colors, etc.) | Check if numbers or figures follow an arithmetic or geometric progression. |
| 3 | Part‑Whole or Hierarchical (e.g., “wheel : car” – wheel is part of car) | Identify if one item is a component of the other. |
| 4 | Functional (e.g., “pen : write” – pen is used to write) | Think of the action or purpose of the first item. |
| 5 | Sequence or Order (e.g., “Monday : Tuesday” – next day) | Look for chronological or spatial ordering. |
| 6 | Cause & Effect | Determine if the first item causes the second. |
| 7 | Geographical/Directional (e.g., “north : up”) | Relate to directions, maps, or spatial orientation. |
| 8 | Multiple Relations | Sometimes more than one relationship may coexist. Test each separately. |
Tips
- Eliminate: Rule out options that do not share any plausible relationship.
- Cross‑check: Verify the chosen relationship works for all elements in the pair.
- Speed practice: Memorise common analogy patterns; they frequently appear in exams.
3. Worked Example
Question
SUN : DAY :: MOON : ?
Step‑by‑Step Solution
| Step | Action | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | List possible relationships between SUN and DAY. | Sun causes a day (light & heat). |
| 2 | Apply the same relationship to MOON. | If the Moon causes something, what is that? |
| 3 | Consider the natural counterpart: Moon influences night. | The Moon is visible during night. |
| 4 | Check answer choices for “night”. | “Night” fits the pattern. |
| 5 | Final answer: NIGHT. | Sun causes day; Moon causes night. |
Answer: NIGHT
Alternative viewpoint
- Sun is the source of daylight → Day is the result.
- Moon is the source of moonlight → Night is the result.
Either way, the relationship is “source → result”.
4. Quick Revision Summary
| Category | Example Pair | Relationship | Missing Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synonym | Large : Big | Synonym | – |
| Antonym | Hot : Cold | Antonym | – |
| Part‑Whole | Wheel : Car | Part of | – |
| Function | Pen : Write | Tool for | – |
| Sequence | Monday : Tuesday | Next day | – |
| Cause‑Effect | Rain : Flood | Cause of | – |
| Geographical | North : Up | Direction | – |
| Number Pattern | 2 : 4 (×2) | Multiplication | 8 (×2 again) |
| Multiple Relations | Apple : Red (Color) & Apple : Fruit (Category) | Two relations | – |
Practice Checklist
- Identify the relationship first; don’t jump to fill the blank.
- Test the relationship on both known pairs.
- If two relationships fit, look for the most “natural” or “common” one used in exams.
- Keep a mental list of 10‑15 common analogy patterns for quick recall.
Final Thought
Analogy questions reward quick pattern recognition. With the above framework, you’ll consistently spot the underlying relation and arrive at the correct answer faster than guessing. Happy practicing!