ILLEGIBLE is to READ as …
A. INCORRIGIBLE is to BEHOLD.
B. INCOMPREHENSIBLE is to UNDERSTAND.
C. INDEFENSIBLE is to ATTEMPT.
D. INDEFATIGABLE is to ROUSE.
E. INDELIBLE is to DEFEND.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is: B. INCOMPREHENSIBLE is to UNDERSTAND.
Explanation:
To solve this analogy, let’s first understand the relationship between the two given words in the pair:
ILLEGIBLE is to READ
- “Illegible” means something cannot be read due to poor handwriting, print, or other obscuring features.
- Therefore, the relationship is: “Illegible” prevents or hinders the ability to “read.”
Now we must find another pair in which the first word prevents or blocks the action described by the second word.
Let’s examine each option:
A. INCORRIGIBLE is to BEHOLD
- “Incorrigible” means incapable of being corrected or reformed.
- “Behold” means to see or observe.
- There is no logical connection here — being incorrigible does not prevent someone from being beheld (seen).
Incorrect.
B. INCOMPREHENSIBLE is to UNDERSTAND
- “Incomprehensible” means not able to be understood.
- So, just as something illegible cannot be read, something incomprehensible cannot be understood.
- This perfectly mirrors the original analogy in structure and meaning.
Correct.
C. INDEFENSIBLE is to ATTEMPT
- “Indefensible” means something that cannot be justified or defended, usually in an argument or war.
- It has no direct impact on the ability to “attempt” anything.
Incorrect.
D. INDEFATIGABLE is to ROUSE
- “Indefatigable” means tireless.
- “Rouse” means to awaken or stir someone.
- Being tireless does not prevent someone from being roused, nor does it logically oppose it.
Incorrect.
E. INDELIBLE is to DEFEND
- “Indelible” means not able to be erased or forgotten.
- It has no logical connection with “defend.”
Incorrect.
Thus, the best choice is B, because “incomprehensible” prevents one from being able to “understand,” just as “illegible” prevents one from being able to “read.”