In this meaning-based analogy, select the related word from the given alternatives so that Gloomy : Dull :: Merciless : ?

Introduction / Context:
This analogy question tests your understanding of relationships between adjectives that describe mood, attitude, or character. The pair “Gloomy : Dull” suggests that something gloomy is cheerless and therefore dull or depressing. We are asked to extend this style of relationship to the word “Merciless” and select the word that captures a similar connected meaning. Such questions are common in verbal reasoning and vocabulary building for aptitude exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• First pair: Gloomy : Dull.
• Second pair: Merciless : ?.
• “Gloomy” describes a sad, dark, or depressing mood.
• “Dull” describes something lacking brightness or liveliness, often linked to a gloomy atmosphere.
• We must find a word that naturally describes the effect or nature of someone who is merciless.

Concept / Approach:
The idea is to interpret the first pair as expressing a cause-effect or characteristic relationship. A gloomy environment often feels dull and lifeless. Similarly, a merciless person is someone who shows no mercy, kindness, or compassion. Such a person is likely to be described as harsh or cruel. Among the options, we need to pick the word that best expresses the tough, unkind nature that naturally goes with being merciless.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand that “Gloomy” and “Dull” are closely related in terms of mood and atmosphere.Step 2: Interpret “Merciless” as “showing no mercy” and being very severe or cruel.Step 3: Check meanings of the options: “Sympathetic” means understanding and kind, “Calm” refers to peaceful, “Flexible” indicates adaptability, and “Harsh” means very severe and unkind.Step 4: Only “Harsh” naturally follows from the idea of being merciless.Step 5: Conclude that the pair “Merciless : Harsh” mirrors the style of relationship seen in “Gloomy : Dull”.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, imagine sentences such as “He is a merciless ruler” and “He is a harsh ruler”. They convey very similar meanings, both suggesting excessive severity and lack of kindness. The other options fail this test. A merciless person cannot be sympathetic, calm is neutral and does not capture cruelty, and flexible is unrelated to the idea of cruelty. Therefore, “Harsh” is the only option that fits the strength and direction of the original adjective.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A (Sympathetic): This is almost the opposite of merciless, since a sympathetic person understands and cares about others.
Option B (Calm): Calmness is about emotional steadiness and has no necessary connection to cruelty or mercy.
Option C (Flexible): Flexibility refers to adaptability and open-mindedness, not to the level of kindness or harshness.

Common Pitfalls:
Sometimes candidates pick words that feel generally positive or neutral, thinking that any adjective might fit. However, in analogies, the direction and tone of the relationship matter a lot. Since “Merciless” is strongly negative, the related word must keep that severity. Ignoring this can easily lead to incorrect choices in such vocabulary questions.

Final Answer:
The correct pair is “Merciless : Harsh”, so the answer is Harsh.