Analogy (antonyms/opposites): DEPENDABLE is to CAPRICIOUS as which pair shows a similar opposite relationship?
Logical Reasoning
Analogies
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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Afallible : cantankerous
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Berasable : obtuse
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Cmalleable : limpid
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Dcapable : inept
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Eincorrigible : guilty
Answer
Correct Answer: capable : inept
Explanation
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