Solving the Word Analogy: Hamper : Retard

The question asks us to find a word pair that shares the same relationship as the pair Hamper : Retard.

First, let's understand the relationship between the words Hamper and Retard.

• Hamper means to hinder or impede the movement or progress of.
• Retard means to slow down or delay the development or progress of (something).

These two words are synonyms. They both mean to slow down, hinder, or delay something.

Now let's examine the given options to find the pair with the closest relationship:

• Option 1: Insipid : Tedious
  • Insipid means lacking flavor, vigor, or interest.
  • Tedious means too long, slow, or dull; monotonous.

  Both words describe something that lacks interest or excitement, although in slightly different ways. Insipid relates more to a lack of taste or liveliness, while tedious relates to being boring due to length or monotony. They share a semantic connection related to dullness or lack of engagement. While not perfect synonyms, they are related by a shared quality of being uninteresting.

• Option 2: Hamstrung : Encourage
  • Hamstrung means severely restricted in movement or effectiveness.
  • Encourage means give support, confidence, or hope to (someone).

  These two words have opposite meanings. Hamstrung implies limitation, while Encourage implies support and progress. They are antonyms.

• Option 3: Hypocrisy : Frankness
  • Hypocrisy means the practice of claiming to have higher standards or more noble beliefs than is the case.
  • Frankness means the quality of being open, honest, and direct in speech or writing.

  These two words have opposite meanings. Hypocrisy involves dishonesty or pretense, while Frankness involves honesty and openness. They are antonyms.

• Option 4: Jovial : Solemn
  • Jovial means cheerful and friendly.
  • Solemn means formal and dignified, not cheerful or smiling.

  These two words have opposite meanings. Jovial describes a cheerful disposition, while Solemn describes a serious or grave disposition. They are antonyms.

Comparing the relationships, the original pair Hamper : Retard are synonyms. Options 2, 3, and 4 are pairs of antonyms. Option 1, Insipid : Tedious, is the only pair where the words are related by a shared quality (lack of interest/excitement), making it the closest analogy to a synonym relationship among the choices provided.

Therefore, the word pair that is related in the same way as Hamper : Retard is Insipid : Tedious.