Solving Analogies: Resolution, Determination, Consensus, Unanimity

The question asks us to complete an analogy: Resolution : Determination : : Consensus : ___________. Analogies test our ability to understand the relationship between pairs of words and apply that relationship to another pair. In this case, we need to figure out the relationship between 'Resolution' and 'Determination' and find a word that has the same relationship with 'Consensus'.

Understanding the Relationship between Resolution and Determination

'Resolution' refers to a firm decision to do or not to do something, or the quality of being determined. 'Determination' means the quality of being determined; firmness of purpose. These two words are very close in meaning; they are synonyms or near-synonyms.

So, the relationship between the first pair, Resolution and Determination, is synonymy (having similar meanings).

Applying the Relationship to Consensus

'Consensus' means a general agreement or concord. We are looking for a word among the options that is a synonym or near-synonym for 'Consensus'. Let's examine the options:

• A. Difference: 'Difference' means a point or way in which people or things are dissimilar. This is the opposite of agreement, so it is not a synonym for 'Consensus'.
• B. Unanimity: 'Unanimity' means agreement by all people involved; consensus. This word is a direct synonym for 'Consensus'.
• C. Decide: 'Decide' is a verb meaning to make a choice from a number of alternatives. While reaching a consensus often involves deciding something, 'Decide' is not a synonym for the noun 'Consensus'.
• D. Outcome: 'Outcome' means the way a thing turns out; a consequence. This is the result of a process, not the agreement itself. It is not a synonym for 'Consensus'.

Conclusion: Finding the Synonym for Consensus

Based on the analysis, the word that is a synonym for 'Consensus' is 'Unanimity'. Since the relationship in the first pair (Resolution : Determination) is synonymy, the word that completes the second pair with 'Consensus' must also be a synonym.

Therefore, the completed analogy is Resolution : Determination : : Consensus : Unanimity.

Revision Table: Key Analogy Concepts

Additional Information: Understanding Consensus and Unanimity

Consensus and Unanimity are often used interchangeably, but there can be subtle differences depending on the context, especially in formal decision-making processes.

• Consensus: Often implies a general agreement, where there might be some dissent but a decision is reached that most participants can accept and support. It doesn't necessarily mean everyone agrees 100%.
• Unanimity: Means complete agreement among all members of a group. Everyone is in full agreement.

However, in the context of word analogies designed for testing vocabulary and relationships, 'Consensus' and 'Unanimity' are typically treated as direct synonyms, as they both convey the idea of collective agreement.