RIGID is to FLEXIBLE as …
a. DELECTABLE is to TASTE
b. CHAOTIC is to DISORDER
c. ADEPT is to ACCOMPASHED
d. CONTAINED is to INFINITE
e. POIGNANT is to CANDID
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is:
d. CONTAINED is to INFINITE
Explanation:
In analogy questions like this, we look for a relationship between the two words in the first pair and try to find a similar relationship in one of the options. Let’s break down the relationship in the initial pair, “RIGID” and “FLEXIBLE.”
1. Understanding the Initial Pair:
- “Rigid” and “Flexible” are opposites or antonyms. “Rigid” describes something unyielding or stiff, while “Flexible” describes something that can bend or adapt.
- This is an “antonym analogy,” where the two words have contrasting meanings.
2. Analyzing Each Option:
- a. DELECTABLE is to TASTE: “Delectable” refers to something that is highly pleasing to taste, often in reference to food. This pair doesn’t show a contrasting relationship but rather a descriptive one (delectable things are tasty). It is not the correct answer.
- b. CHAOTIC is to DISORDER: “Chaotic” and “Disorder” are not opposites; they have similar meanings, describing a lack of order or structure. This option is a synonym relationship rather than an antonym, so it doesn’t match our target relationship.
- c. ADEPT is to ACCOMPLISHED: “Adept” describes someone skilled or proficient, and “Accomplished” is similar in meaning, referring to someone who has achieved a high level of skill. Again, this is a synonym relationship, not an antonym.
- d. CONTAINED is to INFINITE: “Contained” implies something limited or confined within bounds, while “Infinite” implies something without limits or bounds. These two words are opposites, showing a clear contrast, similar to “Rigid” and “Flexible.” Therefore, this option reflects the same type of relationship as our initial pair.
- e. POIGNANT is to CANDID: “Poignant” describes something deeply affecting or moving, while “Candid” means being honest or straightforward. These words are not opposites or directly related, so this option does not match the antonym relationship we’re looking for.
Conclusion:
The best choice is (d) CONTAINED is to INFINITE because it mirrors the same antonym relationship as “Rigid” and “Flexible.” Just as “Rigid” and “Flexible” are opposites, “Contained” and “Infinite” are also opposites.