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English: word relationships

Word relationship questions test how words connect: synonyms, antonyms, categories and analogies. Name the relationship in your own words before you choose.

What is tested

  • Synonyms and antonyms
  • Categories and groups
  • Analogies (A is to B as C is to D)

Worked example

Hot is to cold as tall is to ___.

  1. 'Hot' and 'cold' are opposites.
  2. So find the opposite of 'tall': short.

Answer: short

Exam-day checklist

  • State the relationship in a short sentence.
  • Apply exactly the same relationship to the second pair.
  • Check the word class matches.
  • Eliminate options that break the pattern.

Common mistakes

  • Choosing a word that is merely related, not in the same relationship.
  • Reversing the direction (part to whole vs whole to part).
  • Ignoring word class.

Try it yourself

1. Pilot is to aeroplane as captain is to ___.

Show answer

ship

A pilot flies an aeroplane; a captain commands a ship.

2. Which word does not belong: sparrow, robin, salmon, eagle?

Show answer

salmon

The others are birds; a salmon is a fish.

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