Analogy: Increasing Intensity

The question uses the symbol '$\rightarrow$' to indicate a progression towards greater intensity. The task is to identify a word that fits the blank in the sequence 'silly $\rightarrow$ ___ $\rightarrow$ daft', mirroring the intensity pattern shown in 'sick $\rightarrow$ infirm $\rightarrow$ moribund'.

Understanding Intensity Progression

The first sequence, sick $\rightarrow$ infirm $\rightarrow$ moribund, illustrates a worsening physical state:

• Sick: Mildly unwell.
• Infirm: Significantly weak or frail, indicating a more severe condition than simply being sick.
• Moribund: At the point of death, representing the most extreme state.

The second sequence, silly $\rightarrow$ ___ $\rightarrow$ daft, involves increasing levels of foolishness or lack of good judgment:

• Silly: Lacking good sense; somewhat foolish.
• Daft: Extremely foolish or absurd; representing the highest level of foolishness in this context.

The word needed for the blank must represent a degree of foolishness greater than 'silly' but less severe than 'daft'.

Evaluating Word Options

We examine the provided options to find the best fit for the blank:

• Frown, Fawn, Vein: These words do not relate to the intensity of foolishness or mental state. 'Frown' is an expression, 'Fawn' relates to seeking favour, and 'Vein' is a biological term.
• Vain: This word means producing no result or effect (fruitless), or characterized by futility. It can also imply excessive pride leading to foolish actions or thoughts. In either sense, 'vain' represents a level of poor judgment or foolishness that is more pronounced than 'silly' and logically precedes the extreme foolishness of 'daft'.

Finalizing the Analogy

The word vain is the most appropriate choice to fill the blank, as it completes the sequence based on increasing intensity of foolishness.

The completed analogous sequence is: silly $\rightarrow$ vain $\rightarrow$ daft.