Understanding Word Analogies: Speech, Sight, and Hearing

This question asks us to find the word that completes the analogy based on the relationship between the first two pairs. An analogy is a comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification. In word analogies like this, we look for the specific relationship between the first pair of words and apply that same relationship to the second and third pairs.

Analyzing the Given Analogy Pairs

Let's examine the relationships presented in the question:

• Speech : Dumb: This pair relates the ability to speak (Speech) to the state of lacking that ability (Dumb). A person who is dumb lacks the ability to speak or use speech.
• Sight : Blind: This pair relates the ability to see (Sight) to the state of lacking that ability (Blind). A person who is blind lacks the ability to see or use sight.

Identifying the Relationship Pattern

In both pairs, the pattern is: Ability : Lack of Ability. The second word describes the condition of someone who is deprived of or lacks the first word (the ability or sense).

Applying the Pattern to the Third Pair: ? : Deaf

We are given the third pair as ? : Deaf. Following the established pattern, this means: Ability : Lack of Ability.

• The second word is Deaf. A person who is deaf lacks the ability to hear.
• Therefore, the missing word (?) should represent the ability that a deaf person lacks.

The ability related to hearing is the perception of sound.

Evaluating the Options

Let's look at the given options:

1. Sound: This is the sensation perceived by the ear, the basis of hearing. Lack of the ability to perceive sound results in being deaf. This fits the pattern.
2. Vibrations: Sound is caused by vibrations, but vibrations are the physical cause, not the perceived sense itself. While related, 'Vibrations' is not the primary ability or sense lost by a deaf person in the context of this type of analogy.
3. Voice: Voice is a specific type of sound produced by the vocal cords, primarily associated with speaking. It is not the general term for what is heard.
4. Language: Language is a system of communication, often involving speech or signs, but it is not the fundamental ability of hearing itself.

Based on the analysis, 'Sound' is the word that represents the ability or sensation that a deaf person lacks, fitting the "Ability : Lack of Ability" pattern established by the first two pairs.

Conclusion on the Word Analogy

The analogy follows the pattern where the second word describes the lack of the ability or sense described by the first word. Speech is the ability; Dumb is the lack of Speech. Sight is the ability; Blind is the lack of Sight. Sound is the ability (what is heard); Deaf is the lack of hearing Sound.

Thus, the missing word is Sound.

Revision Table: Analogy Breakdown

Additional Information on Analogies and Reasoning

Word analogies are common in reasoning tests. They assess your ability to identify relationships between pairs of words. Common types of relationships include:

• Synonyms (e.g., Happy : Joyful)
• Antonyms (e.g., Hot : Cold)
• Part to Whole (e.g., Finger : Hand)
• Cause and Effect (e.g., Rain : Flood)
• Worker and Tool (e.g., Carpenter : Hammer)
• Action and Object (e.g., Read : Book)
• Ability and Lack thereof (as seen in this question)

Solving analogies requires careful observation to determine the precise link between the initial pair and then applying that same link to find the missing word in the other pairs. Practicing different types of analogies helps improve verbal reasoning skills.