Stygian : Dark — Choose the pair with the same synonymy (rare/advanced adjective → common synonym).

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Fortuitous : Accidental

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Verbal analogies often pair a higher-register adjective with its common synonym. “Stygian” means extremely dark or gloomy; thus the pair reflects synonymy. We must select the option where the first adjective has “almost the same meaning” as the second, not an antonym or unrelated term.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Stygian ≈ very dark.
  • We need an equivalently synonymic relation.
  • Distractors may be antonyms or mismatches.


Concept / Approach:
“Fortuitous” means happening by chance; “accidental” is a close, common synonym conveying the same core sense. The other options pair words that are not synonymous (some are oppositional or unrelated).



Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify stem relation: rare adjective → common synonym.Scan options for true synonymy.Select “Fortuitous : Accidental.”



Verification / Alternative check:
Standard dictionaries list fortuitous ≈ accidental (though sometimes with nuance about chance vs. good fortune; the core sense of “by chance” matches).



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Abysmal : Low — “abysmal” means extremely bad; not “low.”
  • Cogent : Contentious — cogent is convincing; contentious is argumentative (near-opposition of tone).
  • Cataclysmic : Doomed — not synonyms; one is event-character, the other fate.
  • Benign : Harsh — antonyms.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing connotation with denotation; focus on core meaning equivalence.



Final Answer:
Fortuitous : Accidental

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