Understanding the Analogy: Happy is to Glad as Sad is to ?

The question asks us to find the word that completes the analogy: Happy : Glad :: Sad : ?. This type of question tests our ability to identify the relationship between the first pair of words and apply the same relationship to the third word to find the fourth word.

Let's analyze the relationship between the first pair of words: Happy and Glad.

• Happy means feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.
• Glad means feeling pleasure or happiness.

Based on these definitions, "Happy" and "Glad" are synonyms. They have very similar meanings.

Now, we need to find a word that is related to Sad in the same way that Glad is related to Happy. This means we are looking for a synonym of Sad.

Let's examine the given options to find the synonym for "Sad":

1. Gloomy: Means feeling distressed or pessimistic; depressing or disheartening. This word is a synonym for sad.
2. Merry: Means cheerful and lively. This is an antonym (opposite) of sad.
3. Contented: Means feeling or expressing satisfaction with things as they are. This is different from feeling sad; it implies a state of satisfaction.
4. Mellow: Means pleasantly smooth or soft; calm, without intensity. This describes a mood that is relaxed rather than sad.

Comparing the options, Gloomy is the word that is a synonym for Sad, just as Glad is a synonym for Happy.

Therefore, the analogy is completed as: Happy : Glad :: Sad : Gloomy.

Analyzing the Options for Sad's Synonym

We can summarize the relationship of each option to the word 'Sad' in a simple way:

• Gloomy: Synonym of Sad
• Merry: Antonym of Sad
• Contented: Different meaning, related to satisfaction
• Mellow: Different meaning, related to calmness

The only option that fits the identified relationship (synonymy) is Gloomy.

Conclusion on the Analogy

The relationship between Happy and Glad is that they are synonyms. Applying the same relationship to Sad, we look for its synonym. Among the given options, Gloomy is the synonym of Sad. Hence, the correct completion of the analogy is Sad : Gloomy.

Revision Table: Key Concepts in Analogies

Additional Information: Solving Word Analogies

Word analogies require you to understand the relationship between the first pair of words. Common relationships include:

• Synonyms (e.g., Big : Large)
• Antonyms (e.g., Hot : Cold)
• Part to Whole (e.g., Finger : Hand)
• Cause and Effect (e.g., Fire : Smoke)
• Worker and Tool (e.g., Carpenter : Hammer)
• Action and Object (e.g., Read : Book)
• Degree (e.g., Warm : Hot)

Once you identify the specific relationship in the first pair, apply the exact same relationship to the third word to find the fourth word from the options provided.