Word Analogy: Naming the Relationship
Say the relationship of the first pair in one exact sentence, test that sentence on every choice, and sharpen it when two choices fit.
What it is
A word analogy compares two pairs of words that are linked in the same way. It is written with colons:
KEY : LOCK :: PASSWORD : ACCOUNT
Read it as "key is to lock as password is to account". A key opens a lock; a password opens an account. The link between the words is called the relationship.
The exam uses two formats:
- Single-word: A : B :: C : ?. You choose one word.
- Paired-word: A : B :: ? : ?. You choose a whole pair.
Why it matters on the exam
Word analogy is part of the Analytical Ability section of the Professional exam (DEC-03). It usually comes in a block of single-word items followed by paired-word items. Each item can be solved in under a minute once you can name the relationship exactly.
The wrong choices are built to catch people who only see that words are "related". They use words from the same topic, reversed pairs, and pairs with a different relationship. A clear method beats them.
SPONGE : ABSORB :: MAGNET : ______
- iron
- metal
- attract
- north
- strong
The rest of this lesson, and every other lesson, is part of ReviewTayo.
Read moreIn the full lesson
- How to recognize it on the test
- What to look for (5 checks)
- All 6 rules and tools
- 4 worked examples, every step explained
- 6 common mistakes and how to fix them
- 3 exam techniques
- Remember: 5 key points
- Practice questions with explanations, and your progress saved
More Analytical Ability lessons
ReviewTayo has 47 lessons that follow the official scope of the exam, each with rules, worked examples, common mistakes and practice. Open one and read the first part.