The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is DRENCH.
This analogy is built on a relationship of intensity or degree. To solve it, we must first identify the connection between the words in the first pair, GLIMPSE and STARE, and then apply that same relationship to the second pair, starting with SPRINKLE.
A glimpse is a very brief, quick, or momentary look at something. In contrast, a stare is a long, fixed, and intense look. Therefore, the relationship is that a stare is a much more intense and prolonged version of a glimpse. The core action, looking, is the same, but the degree is significantly amplified from the first word to the second.
Now, we apply this “lesser degree to greater degree” logic to the second pair. To sprinkle is to scatter or apply a liquid lightly in small drops. It is a gentle and limited form of wetting. We need to find a word that represents a much more intense and thorough application of liquid.
Let’s examine the options:
- DRENCH means to wet thoroughly or to soak completely. This is a perfect match for our established relationship. Just as a stare is an intense version of a glimpse, to drench is an intense version of to sprinkle.
- DRIP refers to a single drop of liquid falling. This is a component of sprinkling, not a more intense version.
- WATER is a general term for applying liquid, often to plants. Sprinkling is a way to water something, but the word itself does not inherently imply greater intensity.
- MOISTEN means to make something slightly wet, which is very similar in degree to sprinkling, not an escalation of it.
- DRY is the opposite of applying liquid, so it is an incorrect relationship.
Thus, the most logical and fitting answer is DRENCH, as it represents the same escalation in intensity from SPRINKLE as STARE does from GLIMPSE.
