Understanding Word Analogies: Wait : Linger :: Bite : ?

The question asks us to find the relationship between the first pair of words and apply the same relationship to the third word to find the fourth word from the given options. This is a classic word analogy problem.

The first pair of words is Wait : Linger.

• Wait means to stay where one is or delay action until a particular time or event.
• Linger means to stay in a place longer than necessary, typically because of a reluctance to leave.

Upon examining these two words, we can see that Linger is a type of waiting or staying, often implying a prolonged or reluctant wait. They are closely related in meaning; Linger can be considered a synonym for waiting, perhaps with an added nuance of duration or unwillingness to depart.

Applying the Relationship to the Second Pair

The second part of the analogy is Bite : ?. We need to find a word from the options that relates to Bite in the same way that Linger relates to Wait.

• Bite means to cut into or seize with the teeth.

Let's examine the options:

1. Gnaw: To bite at or nibble something persistently. This describes a specific action involving repeated biting.
2. Murmur: To speak in a low or indistinct tone. This is related to sound and speaking, not biting.
3. Hiss: To make a sharp sibilant sound, like that of a snake or steam. This is also related to sound, not biting.
4. Eat: To put food into the mouth, chew, and swallow it. Eating involves biting, but it is a broader process than just the action of biting itself.

Analyzing the Options Based on the Analogy

We established that Linger is a form of waiting, often prolonged or persistent. We are looking for a word that is a form of biting, perhaps prolonged or persistent.

• Gnaw fits this description well. It refers to biting repeatedly or persistently at something. Just as lingering is a specific, often prolonged, way of waiting, gnawing is a specific, often prolonged or repetitive, way of biting.
• The other options (Murmur, Hiss, Eat) do not describe a type or form of the action of biting in the same way. Murmuring and Hissing are sounds. Eating is a process that includes biting but is not solely defined by it.

Therefore, the relationship between Wait and Linger (lingering is a prolonged or persistent form of waiting) is best matched by the relationship between Bite and Gnaw (gnawing is a prolonged or persistent form of biting).

The correct option is Gnaw.

Revision Table: Key Concepts

Additional Information: Word Analogies

Word analogies are questions that test your ability to understand the relationship 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)

To solve analogies, first identify the relationship between the first pair of words. Then, look for a word from the options that has the same relationship with the third word.