In this word analogy, Antique is related to Old as a pair of similar meanings. Using the same idea, which word should complete the analogy Antique : Old :: Weak : ?

Introduction / Context:
This analogy focuses on vocabulary and synonyms. Antique and Old are closely related in meaning, because an antique object is typically very old, often with historical value. In the same way, the word Weak should be paired with another word that conveys a similar sense of low strength or vulnerability. The problem tests your ability to choose the option whose meaning aligns most closely with Weak, rather than an opposite or unrelated concept.

Given Data / Assumptions:
First pair: Antique : Old. Second pair: Weak : ?. Antique is used in the sense of an object that is very old. Weak is used with its usual meaning of lacking strength, power, or firmness.

Concept / Approach:
The relationship between Antique and Old is that of near synonyms: one describes something that has become old, usually with value, and the other directly states the age characteristic. To preserve the analogy, we must choose a word that is close in meaning to Weak. Weak can describe a person, structure, or argument that lacks strength, is easily damaged, or cannot withstand pressure. Among the given options, we need the word whose core idea is most similar to that lack of strength.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Restate the first pair. Antique and Old both describe age, with Antique being a more specific or stylistic term for something that is very old. Step 2: Clarify the meaning of Weak. Weak means lacking strength, power, or robustness, and can also imply being easily damaged. Step 3: Examine each option. Strong is the direct opposite of Weak and therefore cannot be a synonym. Fragile means easily broken or damaged and often suggests physical or emotional weakness. Convincing refers to the power to persuade and does not correspond to lack of strength. Powerful is another opposite of Weak, indicating strong influence or force. Energetic means full of energy and activity, again the opposite of Weak. Step 4: Choose the closest synonym. Fragile matches the idea of something that is weak or easily broken, so it is the best synonym like Old is for Antique.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can test the analogy structure by rewriting it with our chosen option. Antique is to Old as Weak is to Fragile. Both pairs now show words with closely related meanings. If we tried Weak : Strong, Weak : Powerful, or Weak : Energetic, the pattern would become one of antonyms instead of synonyms, breaking the similarity found in the first pair. Weak : Convincing also makes no sense semantically. Therefore, only Weak : Fragile preserves the symmetry of meaning with the original pair.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Strong is the opposite of Weak, not a similar term. Convincing relates to persuasiveness and has nothing to do with physical or emotional strength. Powerful expresses great strength or influence, again an antonym of Weak. Energetic suggests high energy levels and activity, which conflicts with the idea of being weak or feeble.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent mistake is to focus only on the emotional tone of words and not on their precise meanings. For example, Strong and Powerful may sound attractive as answers, but they reverse the relationship instead of matching it. Another pitfall is to assume that any word with a negative or non positive meaning is suitable, even if it does not express lack of strength. To handle such analogies correctly, always think carefully about whether you are matching or opposing the meaning in the first pair and choose true synonyms rather than vague associations.

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