In each of the following analogy questions, Capriciousness is related to Reliability as which of the following pairs of qualities are related to each other in an opposite manner?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Honesty : Deceit

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question involves an analogy built on contrasting character traits. Capriciousness means a tendency to act on sudden whims, changing behaviour unpredictably. Reliability describes a stable and dependable nature. These qualities stand in opposition. The task is to choose a pair of words that shows a similar opposite relationship between two abstract qualities. Recognising antonyms among personality or moral traits is a common theme in verbal reasoning and vocabulary building questions.


Given Data / Assumptions:
- Capriciousness refers to unpredictable or whimsical behaviour that is not steady or consistent.
- Reliability refers to dependability and predictability in behaviour and performance.
- Each option pair describes two qualities or abstract nouns.
- The correct option must form a clear opposite relationship similar to the contrast between capriciousness and reliability.


Concept / Approach:
The primary idea is that capriciousness and reliability clash with each other. A very capricious person is usually not reliable, and a very reliable person is not ruled by sudden whims. Thus the relationship is one of strong contrast, nearly direct opposites on a behavioural scale. The correct option needs to show a similar tension, where one quality essentially negates or opposes the other. Pairs that describe two positive qualities, two negative qualities, or simple synonyms are not acceptable. We must carefully interpret each word and decide whether the pair is antonymous or not.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Rephrase the reference pair. Capriciousness is almost the opposite of reliability in describing a person. Step 2: Option A, Honesty : Deceit. Honesty is a moral quality of telling the truth and being fair, while deceit refers to dishonesty and deliberate lying. These are clear opposites. Step 3: Option B, Calmness : Peace. Calmness and peace both represent quiet and absence of disturbance. They are closely related and not opposites. Step 4: Option C, Strength : Power. Strength and power are usually associated and can be near synonyms in many contexts. Step 5: Option D, Wisdom : Insight. Wisdom and insight are both positive intellectual qualities and reinforce each other. Step 6: Conclude that only Honesty : Deceit forms a true pair of opposing traits, matching the pattern of the original pair.


Verification / Alternative check:
As a verification, attempt to rewrite each pair using the phrase opposite of. Honesty is the opposite of deceit is a natural and accurate statement. Calmness is the opposite of peace is not accurate, nor is strength the opposite of power, or wisdom the opposite of insight. Similarly, capriciousness can be described as in conflict with reliability, since one undermines the other. Therefore Honesty : Deceit reproduces the required contrast between positive and negative qualities.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Options B, C, and D all consist of pairs that are either closely related or nearly synonymous. Calmness and peace both describe tranquility. Strength and power are similar ideas of force or capacity. Wisdom and insight both describe deep understanding. None of these pairs mirrors the strong opposition between disorderly behaviour and dependable behaviour. Therefore they do not fit the analogy. Only option A provides a moral pair where one quality directly opposes the other.


Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes focus just on whether the words seem to fit together in a general sense, overlooking the need for an opposite relationship. Attractive but incorrect answers often include positive positive or negative negative pairings. Another pitfall is misunderstanding capriciousness as simply creative or imaginative, rather than unstable and unpredictable. Clarity on the precise meanings of the words and a deliberate check for antonyms helps avoid these mistakes. Always ask whether one word cancels out or contradicts the other when solving such analogies.


Final Answer:
The pair that shows an opposite relationship similar to Capriciousness : Reliability is Honesty : Deceit, so option A is correct.

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