GRE® analogies are a type of multiple-choice question found on the Graduate Record Exam®, also known as the GRE®. Some graduate schools may require you to take this test as part of the application process. A good understanding of vocabulary and the ability to analogize the relationship between a given pair of words with a second pair from a list of options are required to correctly answer GRE® analogies.
Analogies in GRE® follow a consistent pattern. An analogy is used in the question, such as “LIGHT BULB: ELECTRICITY.” The test-taker must determine the relationship between these two words, which in this case is that a light bulb is powered electricity. After determining the relationship, the test taker must look over the five multiple choice answers to see which one has the same relationship. Because a car runs on gasoline, a possible correct answer for this analogy could be “CAR: GAS.”
Most people would ace the GRE® with ease if all GRE® analogies were as simple as the one above. Unfortunately, a number of factors contribute to the analogy section of the test being a stumbling block for many people, even those who are skilled writers and readers. Not understanding the vocabulary, being unable to deduce the relationship from the initial pair of words, and over-analyzing the possible answers are all issues that can make this type of question difficult.
To correctly answer GRE® analogies, you’ll need a good vocabulary. If a person doesn’t know what a word in the initial pair or the possible answers means, he or she may be unable to figure out how the words are related. It’s important to know that “supercilious” is a synonym for “disdainful” in the first pair “SUPERCILIOUS: DISDAINFUL.” It is impossible to comprehend the relationship between the two words without first understanding their definitions.