Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: Challenge
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This analogy question checks knowledge of English vocabulary and the ability to connect synonyms. The pair Loiter : Dawdle describes two words that are very close in meaning. Loiter means to move slowly or to waste time, and Dawdle also means to move slowly or spend time idly. In the second pair we have Impugn : ?, where we must find the option that is similar in meaning to Impugn in the same way that Dawdle is similar to Loiter. Such questions are common in verbal ability sections of aptitude tests.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
In a synonym based analogy, the relationship is that both words in each pair have similar meanings. Therefore, after recognising that Loiter and Dawdle are synonyms, we must identify the word that is closest in meaning to Impugn. The verb Impugn means to call into question, to attack as false, or to challenge the truth or validity of something. Among the options, Challenge is the word that best conveys the idea of questioning or disputing. Thus Impugn : Challenge is the parallel pair.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Interpret the first pair Loiter : Dawdle and recall that both words describe slow movement and time wasting behaviour.
Step 2: Conclude that the first pair is based on a synonym relationship.
Step 3: Examine the second pair Impugn : ?. We must now find a synonym for Impugn.
Step 4: Remember that Impugn means to dispute, question, or attack the truth, motive, or honesty of something or someone.
Step 5: Compare this meaning with the options and see that Challenge also means to question, dispute, or call into doubt something like authority or a statement.
Step 6: Select Challenge as the correct completion of the analogy.
Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, we can quickly summarise the core meanings of the options. Revenge means the act of retaliating for a wrong. Confiscate means to take away something, especially by legal authority. Gamble means to play games of chance or take risky actions in hope of advantage. Challenge, on the other hand, clearly includes the idea of questioning or disputing, which is very close to the meaning of Impugn. Dictionary definitions confirm that Impugn can be paraphrased as to challenge the truth or validity of a statement. Therefore the synonym based relationship is consistent and confirms Challenge as the correct answer.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Revenge: Revenge is about retaliating or paying back for some injury or insult. It does not mean to question the truth of a statement, so it does not match Impugn.
Confiscate: Confiscate refers to taking away property, usually by authority. This has no direct link to the idea of verbally challenging or questioning something.
Gamble: Gamble involves risk taking or betting and is unrelated to the act of disputing or attacking an argument or statement.
Common Pitfalls:
A frequent mistake is to pick a word only because it sounds strong or negative, such as Revenge or Confiscate. However, vocabulary questions demand attention to the precise meaning rather than emotional tone. Another pitfall is confusion between Impugn and words like Impose or Imprison due to similar starting letters. Candidates should read the full word carefully and link it with the correct meaning. Focusing on the idea of questioning or attacking an argument guides you directly to the option Challenge.
Final Answer:
Loiter and Dawdle are synonyms, and in the same way Impugn is closely related in meaning to Challenge, which makes Challenge the correct option.
Discussion & Comments