Analogy with opposites: “Mature is to Regressed as Varied is to ______”. Choose the word that stands in opposite relation to “Varied” in the same way “Regressed” stands opposite to “Mature”.

Introduction / Context:
This analogy is based on contrast or opposite relationships. The pair “Mature : Regressed” suggests that regressed is the opposite of mature, in the sense of moving backward instead of fully developing. The question then asks for a similar contrast for “Varied”. Analogies of this type test your understanding of antonyms and the ability to apply the same type of relationship to a second pair of words.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Mature describes something or someone that is fully developed or grown. • Regressed refers to having gone backward to a less developed state. • Varied describes something that shows diversity, change, or variety. • Options: monotonous, rhythmice, obsolete, decorous. • We treat rhythmice as a misprint, likely intended to be rhythmic, which still does not match the needed opposite.

Concept / Approach:
In the first pair, the relationship is clear: mature represents full development; regressed suggests a return to a less developed, less advanced state. So the second pair should have a similar opposite meaning. Varied implies a lot of change, diversity, and differences. The opposite idea would be something like uniform, unchanging, or monotonous. Monotonous fits this idea exactly, describing something repetitive and lacking variation. Other options do not present a direct opposite to varied.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Clarify the first relationship. Mature and regressed are not synonyms; they are conceptual opposites in terms of development. A mature person or system has progressed; a regressed one has gone backward. Step 2: Recognise that the pattern is “quality : opposite quality”. For the second half, we need the opposite of varied. Step 3: Understand the word varied. It refers to something that is diverse, changing, and not the same all the time. A varied routine or varied scenery has many different elements. Step 4: Examine the options. Monotonous describes something dull and repetitive, with little or no variation. This is a direct opposite to varied. Rhythmice (or rhythmic) suggests having a regular rhythm, which does not necessarily mean lacking variety; music can be rhythmic and still varied. Obsolete means outdated or no longer in use. This does not contrast with varied. Decorous means polite and proper in behaviour, unrelated to variety. Step 5: Only monotonous captures the opposite of varied in the same way regressed stands opposite to mature.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can rewrite both pairs as clear antonym pairs. Mature versus regressed reflects development versus going backward. Varied versus monotonous reflects variety versus sameness. In each case, the second word cancels the positive quality of the first. Trying to match varied with any of the other options fails to produce such a neat, direct opposition. This confirms that monotonous is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
• Rhythmice (rhythmic): Indicates a regular beat or pattern. Something can be both rhythmic and varied, so it is not an opposite of varied. • Obsolete: Means outdated, not modern. It has nothing to do with whether something is varied or monotonous. • Decorous: Means proper and polite in behaviour. This is a moral or social quality, unrelated to variety.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates are distracted by unusual or rare words, assuming that the most difficult word is the correct answer. Others ignore the opposite pattern in the first pair and look for a synonym of varied instead of an antonym. Always begin by identifying the exact relationship in the first half of an analogy and then demand the same type of relationship in the second half. This prevents random guessing and leads logically to monotonous.

Final Answer:
The word that correctly completes the analogy is Monotonous.