Understanding Word Analogies

Word analogies test your ability to see the relationship between a pair of words and apply that same relationship to a different pair. In this question, we are given the analogy: Complete : Unfinished :: Defeat : ?

Analyzing the First Word Pair: Complete and Unfinished

Let's look at the relationship between the first two words:

• Complete: Finished, having all necessary parts, brought to an end.
• Unfinished: Not finished, not brought to an end, incomplete.

The words "Complete" and "Unfinished" are opposites. They are antonyms.

Applying the Relationship to the Second Pair: Defeat and the Missing Word

The analogy implies that the relationship between "Defeat" and the missing word is the same as the relationship between "Complete" and "Unfinished". Since "Complete" and "Unfinished" are antonyms, the missing word must be the antonym of "Defeat".

• Defeat: The act of losing a battle, game, election, etc.; failure to win.

We need to find a word from the options that is the opposite of "Defeat".

Evaluating the Options

Let's examine each provided option:

1. Sorrow: A feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune. This is related to the feeling one might have after a defeat, but it is not the opposite of defeat itself.
2. Victory: The act of defeating an enemy or opponent in a battle, game, or competition; the state of being victorious. This is the direct opposite of defeat.
3. Opponent: A person who opposes or competes against another in a contest, game, or argument. An opponent is someone you might defeat or be defeated by, but the word itself is not the opposite of defeat.
4. Desire: A strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen. This word is unrelated to the concept of winning or losing.

Identifying the Antonym of Defeat

Based on the analysis, the word that is the direct opposite, or antonym, of "Defeat" is "Victory".

Therefore, the completed analogy is: Complete : Unfinished :: Defeat : Victory

Conclusion

The relationship between Complete and Unfinished is that they are antonyms. Applying the same relationship, the antonym of Defeat is Victory.

Revision Table: Key Concepts in Analogies

Additional Information: Mastering Vocabulary for Analogies

Success in solving word analogies often depends on a strong vocabulary. Understanding the nuances of word meanings and their relationships (like antonymy, synonymy, etc.) is crucial. Practice identifying different types of relationships between words.

• Build your vocabulary daily by learning new words and their opposites.
• Use new words in sentences to understand their context.
• Practice solving various types of analogy questions to become familiar with different relationships.

This question specifically tested your knowledge of antonyms. Recognizing this relationship quickly helps narrow down the options and find the correct answer efficiently.