Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: Repetitious
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This analogy question checks knowledge of synonyms and shades of meaning between descriptive adjectives. The pair Sullen and Moody is provided as a model, and you must choose the word that has a similar relationship with Monotonous. Understanding subtle meaning differences is important for verbal reasoning and vocabulary based questions.
Given Data / Assumptions:
1) Sullen describes a person who is bad tempered, gloomy, or silently resentful.
2) Moody describes someone whose feelings change often and who may be gloomy or irritable.
3) Monotonous describes something that is dull, repetitive, and lacking in variety.
4) The options are Repetitious, Attractive, Drab, and Varied.
5) The correct choice should be the closest in meaning to Monotonous, in the same way that Moody is close in meaning to Sullen.
Concept / Approach:
The first pair Sullen and Moody are near synonyms, both referring to gloomy or unstable emotional states. Therefore, in the second pair we expect another synonym relationship. Monotonous is strongly associated with repetition, especially in expressions such as monotonous tasks or monotonous rhythm. This suggests that Repetitious, which directly refers to something that is repeated again and again, is very close in meaning and thus the best match.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Clarify the relation in the first pair. Sullen and Moody both refer to negative emotional states, where someone is gloomy or changes moods frequently. They are not opposites but similar in tone.
Step 2: Define Monotonous. It describes something that continues in the same way, with little or no variety, making it dull and boring.
Step 3: Examine option a, Repetitious. It means involving repeating the same actions, words, or patterns again and again, which is closely linked to the idea of monotony.
Step 4: Examine option b, Attractive. This is positive, suggesting something appealing or beautiful, which does not match the negative tone of Monotonous.
Step 5: Examine option c, Drab. This means dull and without colour or interest, which is also negative but more focused on appearance than on the pattern of repetition.
Step 6: Examine option d, Varied. This is almost opposite in meaning to Monotonous because varied suggests diversity and change.
Step 7: Since the first pair is based on similarity, the second pair should also be. Repetitious is more directly linked to the concept of monotony than the others.
Verification / Alternative check:
Use sample phrases. Monotonous work often involves doing the same task repeatedly, which can also be described as repetitious work. The sense of boredom comes from repetition, not simply from lack of colour. While Drab can be used metaphorically for boring things, the core link between monotony and repetition makes Repetitious a stronger match in an analogy based on primary meanings.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Attractive has the opposite tone and suggests something pleasant, not dull. Drab is somewhat related but emphasises dull appearance rather than repetitive nature. Varied is almost an antonym, suggesting change and variety, the exact opposite of monotony. None of these options reflect the close synonym relationship that is needed to mirror Sullen and Moody.
Common Pitfalls:
Some students may choose Varied by misunderstanding the question as an antonym analogy. However, the first pair is clearly not an opposite relationship, so the second pair should not be either. Others may choose Drab due to the negative tone, but Monotonous refers primarily to repetition, which is captured best by Repetitious.
Final Answer:
The correct completion of the analogy is Monotonous is to Repetitious, just as Sullen is to Moody.
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