Study Notes – Analogy
Subject: Reasoning Ability
Exam: NABARD Development Assistant
Analogy is a comparison that shows how two things are alike in some way.
Think of it as a bridge that connects two pairs of words.
1. What is an Analogy?
| Analogy | Bridge | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A : B :: C : D | A is to B as C is to D | Fire is to burn as ice is to freeze |
- A, B are the first pair.
- C, D are the second pair.
- The relationship that holds between A and B also holds between C and D.
2. Everyday Analogy Example
| A | B | Relationship | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher | Students | Teacher teaches students | Doctor | Patients |
- Teacher teaches students → Doctor treats patients.
3. How to Solve an Analogy
- Identify the relationship between the first pair.
- Is it part‑to‑whole, cause‑effect, function, opposite, similarity?
- Apply that same relationship to the second pair.
- Check all options – only one will fit.
4. Common Relationships (in plain words)
| Relationship | Everyday Example | How to Spot It |
|---|---|---|
| Part to Whole | Leg : Body | Look for “part of” or “inside” |
| Cause to Effect | Rain : Flood | Think “makes” or “results in” |
| Function | Pen : Write | Think “used for” |
| Opposite | Hot : Cold | Look for opposite words |
| Similar | Cat : Kitten | Look for “similar kind of” |
5. Quick Tips
- Write it out: “A is to B as C is to D” helps you see the pattern.
- Eliminate the obvious: If a choice doesn’t match the relationship, drop it.
- Same number of letters? Sometimes helps but not always.
- Take a breath: Don’t rush—often the right answer is the simplest.
6. Mini Practice Question
Question:
Table : Sit :: Mouse : ___
Choices:
a) Click b) Eat c) Run d) Blink
| Step 1 | Step 2 | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Table is used to sit | Mouse is used to click | a) Click |
7. Summary
- Analogy = “A is to B as C is to D.”
- Find the link between A & B, then find the same link for C & D.
- Use everyday situations to guess the relationship quickly.
- Practice with simple pairs; it will get easier!
Good luck!
Keep practicing with quick mental drills—your brain will build a fast “bridge‑builder” skill.