In each of the following verbal analogy questions, find the alternative pair of words that best replaces the question mark in the relationship Zenith : Nadir :: ? : ?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Genuine : Phony

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This analogy question focuses on word pairs that are opposites in meaning. The reference pair Zenith : Nadir consists of two words that represent the highest point and the lowest point respectively. Such questions test whether the learner can recognise the type of relationship, in this case strong antonyms, and then select an option that shows the same pattern. Mastery of opposites and semantic relations is very important for many competitive exams and helps build precise English vocabulary.


Given Data / Assumptions:
- The given pair is Zenith : Nadir, where zenith means highest point and nadir means lowest point.
- The options each contain another pair of words that may show synonymy, contrast, or some other relation.
- Only one option should show a clear and natural opposite relationship similar to the question pair.
- Words are compared in the general English language sense, not in any very technical or narrow context.


Concept / Approach:
Zenith and nadir are classic antonyms used for extremes, such as the zenith of success and the nadir of failure. The conceptual distance between them is maximum, like top and bottom. The correct option must therefore also contain words that form a pair of opposites, not merely related or overlapping ideas. When solving, it helps to define each word in simple terms and check if one excludes or negates the other. Synonym pairs or pairs in a cause effect relation must be eliminated, since they do not mirror the original contrast between extreme opposites.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Interpret the pair Zenith : Nadir as highest point versus lowest point, a strong antonym relationship. Step 2: Option A, Indigent : Poverty, pairs a poor person with the condition of poverty. This is not an opposite relationship, but a person condition link. Step 3: Option B, Zeal : Eagerness, contains words that both indicate strong enthusiasm. These are synonyms, not opposites. Step 4: Option C, Success : Peak, shows a concept and an extreme point, but both are positive and related. Again, not opposites. Step 5: Option D, Genuine : Phony, contrasts something real and authentic with something fake or sham. These words are direct opposites. Step 6: Conclude that Genuine : Phony is the only pair that matches the antonym pattern seen in Zenith : Nadir.


Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, we can write simple sentences. Zenith is the opposite of nadir in describing positions or levels. Genuine is the opposite of phony when describing authenticity. In comparison, indigent and poverty describe a person and the condition that person faces, zeal and eagerness are both positive intensity words, and success with peak only strengthens the notion of reaching a high point. Therefore only option D preserves the idea of extremes in opposite directions and maintains a strict antonym relationship.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A links a person and a state, not opposites. Option B gives two near synonyms that can often be interchanged in sentences. Option C expresses related ideas of high achievement rather than two contrasting ends of a scale. None of these present the clear opposite structure that is central to the original pair. Only Genuine : Phony mirrors the extreme contrast between something completely real and something completely fake, just as zenith and nadir represent extreme opposite positions.


Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes choose any pair that feels strong or important without checking whether it is actually opposite. Another error is to confuse relatedness with contrast, for example treating success and peak as opposites when they actually reinforce each other. It is safer to restate each pair into the pattern word A is the opposite of word B and see whether that statement makes sense. If it sounds natural, the pair is likely antonymous. Applying that test here points clearly to Genuine : Phony as the correct pair.


Final Answer:
The pair that stands in the same opposite relationship as Zenith : Nadir is Genuine : Phony, so option D is correct.

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