Understanding the Word Analogy: Vigilant : Alert :: Viable : ?

This question asks us to identify the relationship between the first pair of words, "Vigilant" and "Alert," and then apply that same relationship to find the missing word related to "Viable."

Analyzing the Relationship: Vigilant and Alert

Let's look at the first pair:

• Vigilant: This word means keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties; watchful.
• Alert: This word means quick to notice any unusual and potentially dangerous or difficult things; watchful and quick to act.

The relationship between "Vigilant" and "Alert" is one of close similarity or synonymy. Being vigilant implies being alert. They describe a state of watchfulness and readiness.

Applying the Relationship to Viable

Now we need to find a word that has a similar relationship with "Viable."

• Viable: This word means capable of working successfully; feasible. It often refers to something that is practical and likely to succeed.

We are looking for a synonym or a closely related concept for "Viable." Let's examine the given options:

Evaluating the Options

• Active: While something viable might be active, "active" itself doesn't directly mean capable of working successfully. It relates more to doing or being busy.
• Gentle: This word relates to kindness or mildness and has no connection to the meaning of "Viable."
• Feasible: This word means possible to do easily or conveniently; likely to succeed. This is a very strong synonym for "Viable."
• Useful: Something viable is often useful, but "useful" means having a practical purpose or function. "Feasible" captures the core meaning of "Viable" (potential for success) more accurately than "useful."

Conclusion

The relationship between "Vigilant" and "Alert" is that they are synonyms, describing a state of watchfulness. Similarly, "Viable" means capable of succeeding, and "Feasible" is a direct synonym for this meaning. Therefore, "Feasible" is the word that correctly completes the analogy.

The completed analogy is: Vigilant is to Alert as Viable is to Feasible.