Understanding the Word Analogy

This question asks us to find the word that has the same relationship with the third word as the second word has with the first word. This is a type of verbal reasoning question known as an analogy. Analogies test our ability to identify relationships between pairs of words.

Analyzing the First Pair: Commence : Begin

The first pair of words is "Commence" and "Begin". Let's think about the relationship between these two words:

• "Commence" means to start or begin something.
• "Begin" means to start doing something.

It is clear that "Commence" and "Begin" are synonyms. They mean essentially the same thing.

Applying the Relationship to the Second Pair: Doctrine : ?

Now we need to apply the same relationship (being synonyms) to the third word, "Doctrine". We need to find a word from the options that is a synonym for "Doctrine".

What is a Doctrine?

A "Doctrine" is defined as a belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a church, political party, or other group. It is a principle or position or the body of principles in a branch of knowledge or system of belief.

Evaluating the Options

Let's look at the given options and see which one is most closely related to "Doctrine" as a synonym:

1. Belief: A belief is an acceptance that a statement is true or that something exists. It is a firmly held opinion. A doctrine is essentially a formalized or taught belief or set of beliefs. These words are very closely related in meaning.
2. Conduct: Conduct refers to the manner in which a person behaves. This is related to actions, not beliefs or principles.
3. Duty: Duty is a moral or legal obligation or responsibility. This relates to what someone should do, not what they believe.
4. Study: Study is the devotion of time and attention to acquiring knowledge. This is the process of learning, not the principles or beliefs themselves.

Determining the Analogous Word for Doctrine

Comparing "Doctrine" with the options, "Belief" is the word that is most similar in meaning. A doctrine is a type of belief or a system of beliefs. While not always perfect synonyms in every context, in the sense of a core tenet or principle, "Doctrine" and "Belief" share a strong semantic connection, much like "Commence" and "Begin" share a synonym connection.

Therefore, the analogy holds: Commence is to Begin as Doctrine is to Belief because both pairs consist of words that are synonyms or very closely related in meaning.

Conclusion for the Doctrine Analogy

Based on the synonym relationship established in the first pair (Commence : Begin), the word that best completes the second pair (Doctrine : ?) is "Belief".

Revision Table: Analogy Relationships

Additional Information: Types of Analogies

Word analogies can have many different types of relationships. Understanding common relationships can help solve these questions. Some common types include:

• Synonym (like Commence : Begin)
• Antonym (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)
• Category and Example (e.g., Color : Red)

In this specific analogy question, the relationship identified is synonymy or a strong semantic similarity, applying from the first pair (Commence and Begin) to the second pair (Doctrine and Belief).