Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Ally
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This is an odd one out question in the verbal reasoning section. You must select the word that does not belong to the same group as the others. Such questions test your vocabulary, sense of word meanings, and ability to recognize synonyms and antonyms.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The options are Rival, Opponent, Foe, and Ally.- Rival, Opponent, and Foe appear related to conflict or competition.- Ally suggests cooperation or friendship.- We assume standard dictionary meanings without any special context like sports teams or political groups beyond their usual sense.
Concept / Approach:
The core idea is to group words by similar meanings and then locate the one that differs. Three of the words should be close synonyms, while the fourth should represent an opposite or unrelated concept. Here the majority of the words describe someone who is against you in some way, while one describes someone who supports you.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Consider the meaning of Rival. A rival is someone who competes with you or tries to equal or surpass you.Step 2: Consider the meaning of Opponent. An opponent is a person who is on the opposite side in a game, contest, or argument.Step 3: Consider the meaning of Foe. A foe is an enemy or someone who actively opposes you.Step 4: Now consider the meaning of Ally. An ally is a person or group that cooperates with you or supports you in a cause or conflict.Step 5: Rival, Opponent, and Foe all describe people who are against you, either competitively or in hostility.Step 6: Ally describes someone who is on your side rather than against you.Step 7: Therefore Ally is the odd word that does not belong with the others.
Verification / Alternative check:
You can group the words into positive and negative relationships. Rival, Opponent, and Foe each imply conflict, resistance, or competition. In contrast, Ally implies friendship, partnership, or support. Since three words belong to the conflict group and one to the support group, the latter stands out as the odd one. No other grouping creates a similar three versus one structure.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Rival: This word is aligned with conflict and competition and is therefore similar to Opponent and Foe, not the odd one.- Opponent: This term also describes someone who opposes you in a contest, matching the general negative context.- Foe: This explicitly means enemy, which clearly belongs with Rival and Opponent in the same opposition group.
Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates overthink the relationships, searching for hidden nuances, or focus on less common meanings. Others may not know the word Foe and hesitate. To handle such items effectively, it is useful to build a habit of quickly listing synonyms and antonyms. Recognizing that Ally is essentially the opposite of Foe makes the odd one out pattern much clearer.
Final Answer:
The only word that represents support and cooperation, rather than opposition, is Ally, so Ally is the odd one out.
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