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In the following question, a pair of words is given in capital letters, followed by five answer options consisting of word pairs. Choose the option in which the relationship between the two words most closely matches the relationship between the given pair. MAVERICK : CONFORMITY
1. Iconoclast: Tradition
2. Dilettante: Expertise
3. Ascetic: Indulgence
4. Demagogue: Populace
5. Altruist: Selfishness

This question was previously asked in
SSC Stenographer 2025 Question Paper (06-Aug-2025) Shift 2
The correct answer is
Iconoclast: Tradition

The question asks to identify the word pair from the options that exhibits the closest relationship to the given word pair: MAVERICK : CONFORMITY.

Understanding the Core Relationship: Maverick and Conformity

First, let's understand the relationship between the given words:

  • Maverick: A person who thinks and acts in an independent way, not like most other people. They often defy established norms or conventions.
  • Conformity: Behavior that is in line with socially accepted conventions or standards. It means behaving in the same way as most other people.

The relationship is one of opposition or rejection. A maverick is defined by their lack of conformity; they actively avoid or reject conventional behavior or thinking.

Analyzing the Answer Options

Now, let's examine the relationship between the words in each option:

  • 1. Iconoclast : Tradition
    • An iconoclast is a person who attacks or criticizes cherished beliefs or institutions.
    • Tradition refers to established customs, beliefs, or practices passed down through generations.
    • Relationship: An iconoclast actively challenges, criticizes, or breaks away from tradition. This mirrors the maverick's rejection of conformity.
  • 2. Dilettante : Expertise
    • A dilettante is someone who engages in an activity (like art or music) merely for amusement, without real commitment or mastery.
    • Expertise refers to having extensive skill or knowledge in a particular field.
    • Relationship: This is a relationship of lack of skill/commitment versus possession of skill. It doesn't closely match the rejection dynamic of maverick/conformity.
  • 3. Ascetic : Indulgence
    • An ascetic is someone who practices severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious or spiritual reasons.
    • Indulgence means allowing oneself to enjoy the pleasure of something, often excessively.
    • Relationship: An ascetic rejects or abstains from indulgence. This shows opposition, but the focus is specifically on self-denial of pleasure, which is narrower than the general rejection of norms by a maverick.
  • 4. Demagogue : Populace
    • A demagogue is a political leader who seeks support by appealing to the desires and prejudices of ordinary people rather than by using rational argument.
    • Populace refers to the general population.
    • Relationship: A demagogue manipulates or appeals to the populace. This is not a relationship of rejection.
  • 5. Altruist : Selfishness
    • An altruist is a person concerned more with the needs and wishes of others than with their own.
    • Selfishness is excessive concern for oneself with or without regard for the feelings or wishes of others.
    • Relationship: An altruist acts in opposition to or rejects selfishness. While this is an opposition, it's primarily in the moral or ethical domain, whereas maverick relates more to independence from social norms and group behavior.

Identifying the Closest Analogy

Comparing the options to the MAVERICK : CONFORMITY relationship (rejection of norms/conventional behavior):

  • Iconoclast : Tradition perfectly captures the essence of rejecting established norms and practices. A maverick is non-conforming, much like an iconoclast rejects tradition.
  • Ascetic : Indulgence and Altruist : Selfishness show opposition but are more specific in domain (self-denial, ethics) compared to the general non-conformity implied by maverick.

Therefore, the pair Iconoclast : Tradition most closely matches the relationship between MAVERICK : CONFORMITY.

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