Analogy Reasoning: Identifying Increasing Intensity

The question presents an analogy based on the concept of increasing intensity.

• The first sequence, $drizzle → rain → downpour$, shows precipitation levels increasing in intensity from light (drizzle) to moderate (rain) to heavy (downpour).
• The second sequence, $[ ________ → quarrel → feud ]$, must follow the same pattern of increasing intensity, but related to conflict or arguments.

Analyzing Conflict Intensity

We need to find a word for the blank that represents a lower level of conflict intensity than 'quarrel', just as 'drizzle' is less intense than 'rain'. Let's examine the options:

• bicker: To argue over trivial matters. This signifies a low-intensity disagreement.
• $bog$: To hinder or get stuck. Unrelated to arguments.
• $dither$: To hesitate or be indecisive. Unrelated to arguments.
• $dodge$: To evade or avoid. Unrelated to arguments.

Selecting the Correct Analogy Word

Comparing the intensity levels:

• Bicker (low intensity argument) → Quarrel (moderate intensity argument) → Feud (high intensity, prolonged conflict).

This sequence matches the pattern of increasing intensity established by the first sequence (drizzle → rain → downpour).

Therefore, 'bicker' is the appropriate word to fill the blank.