Analyzing Word Relationships: Contain and Hold

The question asks us to identify a word-pair that shares a similar relationship to the pair "Contain : Hold". To solve this, we first need to understand the relationship between the words "Contain" and "Hold".

Let's look at the meanings of the words:

• Contain: To hold or keep within limits; to enclose; to include.
• Hold: To grasp, carry, or support; to keep in a particular position; to contain or be capable of containing.

Based on these definitions, "Contain" and "Hold" are very close in meaning. They are synonyms. The relationship between "Contain" and "Hold" is one of synonymy.

Evaluating Option Word-Pairs

Now, let's examine each option to see which pair exhibits a similar relationship (synonymy) as "Contain : Hold".

Option 1: Contrast : Disparity

• Contrast: A striking difference between two things.
• Disparity: A great difference; a lack of equality or similarity.

The words "Contrast" and "Disparity" both describe a difference. They are synonyms. This relationship is the same as the relationship between "Contain" and "Hold".

Option 2: Fool : Font

• Fool: A person who acts unwisely or imprudently.
• Font: A source; a set of typefaces; a basin for holy water.

There is no clear relationship of synonymy or any other common word relationship between "Fool" and "Font".

Option 3: Blur : Boa

• Blur: To make or become indistinct or hazy.
• Boa: A nonvenomous snake that constricts its prey; a long, fluffy scarf or stole.

There is no clear relationship of synonymy or any other common word relationship between "Blur" and "Boa".

Option 4: Fox : Foyer

• Fox: A carnivorous mammal known for its cunning.
• Foyer: An entrance hall or lobby in a public building or house.

There is no clear relationship of synonymy or any other common word relationship between "Fox" and "Foyer".

Conclusion: Finding the Similar Relationship

The original pair "Contain : Hold" shows a synonym relationship. We examined each option and found that the pair "Contrast : Disparity" also shows a synonym relationship.

Therefore, the word-pair "Contrast : Disparity" best represents a similar relationship to the one expressed in "Contain : Hold".

Revision Table: Word Relationships

Additional Information: Types of Word Analogies

Analogy questions often test your understanding of different types of relationships between word pairs. Besides synonymy, here are a few other common types:

• Antonyms: Words with opposite meanings (e.g., Hot : Cold).
• Part to Whole: One word is a part of the other (e.g., Finger : Hand).
• Cause and Effect: One word is the cause, the other is the effect (e.g., Rain : Flood).
• Worker and Tool: One word is a worker, the other is the tool they use (e.g., Carpenter : Hammer).
• Action and Object: One word is an action, the other is the object it acts upon (e.g., Read : Book).
• Category and Example: One word is a category, the other is an example (e.g., Color : Red).

Identifying the exact relationship in the original pair is crucial to finding the analogous pair among the options.