Understanding the Word Analogy: Needle and Scissor

The question asks us to find the word that has the same relationship with "scissor" as "stitch" has with "needle". This is a word analogy problem where we need to identify the relationship between the first pair of words and apply that same relationship to the third word to find the fourth word.

Analyzing the First Pair: Needle : Stitch

Let's look at the relationship between "Needle" and "stitch".

• A needle is a tool.
• Stitching is an action or process performed using a needle.
• The relationship is primarily Tool : Action Performed by the tool. A needle is used to stitch.

Applying the Relationship to the Second Pair: Scissor : ?

Now we apply the identified relationship (Tool : Action Performed) to the second pair, starting with "Scissor".

• A scissor is a tool.
• We need to find the action or process that is primarily performed using a scissor.
• The structure is Scissor : Action Performed by the scissor.

Evaluating the Options for Scissor's Action

Let's examine the given options to see which one fits the relationship "Action Performed by a Scissor".

1. Iron: Ironing is an action, but it is performed using an iron, not a scissor. This does not fit the relationship.
2. Cloth: Cloth is a material that can be acted upon by scissors (cut), but "cloth" itself is not an action. This does not fit the relationship.
3. Cut: Cutting is an action or process. Scissor is the tool used to perform the action of cutting. This perfectly fits the relationship Tool : Action Performed.
4. Tailor: A tailor is a person who uses tools like needles and scissors. A tailor is not an action performed by a scissor. This does not fit the relationship.

Conclusion on the Analogy

The relationship in the first pair (Needle : stitch) is Tool : Action Performed. Applying this relationship to the third word (Scissor), we look for the primary action performed by a scissor. The word that fits this is "Cut".

Therefore, the analogy is Needle : stitch :: scissor : Cut.

The correct option is the one that represents the action performed by a scissor.

Revision Table: Analogy Relationships

Additional Information: Solving Word Analogies

Word analogies test your ability to see relationships between concepts and words. To solve word analogies effectively, consider the following steps:

• Identify the Relationship: Look at the first pair of words. What is the connection between them? Is it part-to-whole, cause-and-effect, synonym/antonym, tool-user, tool-action, object-property, etc.?
• Express the Relationship: State the relationship clearly in a sentence. For example, "A needle is used to stitch."
• Apply the Relationship: Apply the exact same sentence structure or relationship to the third word to find the fourth word. "A scissor is used to...?"
• Evaluate Options: Read through the options and see which word logically completes the sentence based on the relationship.
• Check All Options: Even if you think you found the answer, quickly consider why the other options are incorrect based on the established relationship.

Common relationships found in word analogies include:

• Object and its quality (e.g., Snow : Cold)
• Worker and Tool (e.g., Carpenter : Hammer)
• Tool and its action (e.g., Pen : Write)
• Part and Whole (e.g., Finger : Hand)
• Cause and Effect (e.g., Sun : Heat)
• Synonyms (e.g., Happy : Joyful)
• Antonyms (e.g., Hot : Cold)