Introduction / Context:
This analogy relies on recognizing opposites. “Dependable” (reliable, steady) is the opposite of “capricious” (impulsive, unpredictable). We need a second pair exhibiting a similar antonymic relationship.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Base: dependable ↔ capricious (antonyms).
- Look for another clear antonym pair with comparable part-of-speech and register.
- Discard pairs that are unrelated, not opposites, or that do not share a sensible semantic axis.
Concept / Approach:
“Capable : inept” is a classic set of antonyms contrasting ability vs. inability. The remaining options are either mismatched or not antonyms (e.g., fallible vs. cantankerous are unrelated traits).
Step-by-Step Solution:
Confirm base: dependable (reliable) vs. capricious (unpredictable) — direct opposition.Scan options for genuine opposites: “capable : inept” qualifies.Reject others: “fallible : cantankerous” (error-prone vs. ill-tempered), “erasable : obtuse” (erasable vs. dull-minded), “malleable : limpid” (flexible vs. clear), “incorrigible : guilty” (incapable of reform vs. culpable — not opposites).
Verification / Alternative check:
Both pairs map clean, widely accepted antonyms contrasting competence/stability with its opposite.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
They do not stand in opposition on a single semantic dimension; many are unrelated adjectives.
Common Pitfalls:
Selecting words with negative connotations and assuming they are opposites. Opposites must share a clear axis.
Final Answer:
capable : inept
Discussion & Comments