Analogy

WHAT IS AN ANALOGY?

An ANALOGY shows how two pairs of words are related similarly. It is like saying:

A is related to B as C is related to D.

This means that the relationship between A and B is the same/similar as the relationship between C and D.

For example:

Cat : Kitten :: Dog : Puppy

You may read it as “A cat is related to a kitten the way a dog is related to a puppy.”

Another example:

Philippines : Asia :: Spain : Europe

“The Philippines is part of Asia as Spain is part of Europe.” Feel those words that have a certain association? The more related to what it asks, the clearer the analogy becomes.

From here, ANALOGIES test your ability to see relationships, recognize patterns, and think logically about words. These skills are useful for us in critical reading, writing, and thinking tests.

TYPES OF ANALOGIES

SYNONYM

Two words mean nearly the same thing.

ANTONYM

Two words mean the opposite.

PART-TO-WHOLE

One word is a part or section of the other.

CAUSE-AND-EFFECT

One word causes or leads to the other.

FUNCTION

One word describes what the other does or is used for.

DEGREE

Words are related by strength, intensity, or number.

Let’s break down some analogies and their explanations.

Complex Example:

Seed : Tree :: Idea : Innovation

→ A seed grows into a tree; an idea grows into an innovation.

This is a GROWTH ANALOGY: a creative, higher-level comparison. It is classified under cause-effect.

Common yet Confusing Analogies

Here are common analogies that are tricky to deal with but are worth learning!

Nuanced Meanings
There are words that can have slight differences in tone or intensity:

Happy vs. Content — “Happy” is an active feeling of joy, while “content” means quiet satisfaction.
Surprised vs. Shocked — “Shocked” is a stronger, more intense form of surprise.
Curious vs. Nosy — Both want to know more, but “nosy” implies being intrusive.

Understanding these subtleties helps you choose the most accurate analogy.

💡 Tips for Solving Analogy Tests Logically

These tips can help us solve analogy tests logically and quickly!

Find the Relationship First

Ask: What connects the first two words? Then look for a pair with the same connection.

Form a Sentence
Make a quick sentence connecting the first pair.
Example: “A pen is used to write.”
Then test each answer pair to see which fits the same sentence.
Check the Direction
Analogy direction matters!

“Bird : Wing” ≠ “Wing : Bird.”
The relationship goes one way (part-to-whole).

Eliminate Options Logically
Remove answer pairs that don’t fit in meaning, direction, or logic.
Watch for Degree Differences
Recognize intensity patterns: cold–freezing, warm–hot, etc.
Know Common Sets
Study frequent synonym and antonym pairs to save time.

When in doubt, think of the connection type! Is it about meaning, opposites, function, cause, or part-whole? Choosing the right category often leads you to the right answer.

Test your knowledge by answering the practice test below:

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

For more drills, please refer to these links:

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