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Degree Analogy

Degree Analogy problems involve pairs where the relationship is based on intensity or degree of a quality (e.g., Warm : Hot). The second word is a more intense (or less intense) version of the first. These problems test your understanding of gradation in word meanings.

10Worksheets
200+Practice Questions
IntermediateDifficulty
2-3 hoursHours to Master

What You'll Learn

Introduction & Overview Why This Matters How to Solve Pro Tips & Tricks
Shortcut Methods Common Mistakes Practice Worksheets Exam Importance

Introduction to Degree Analogy

Degree Analogy problems involve pairs where the relationship is based on intensity or degree of a quality (e.g., Warm : Hot). The second word is a more intense (or less intense) version of the first. These problems test your understanding of gradation in word meanings.

Prerequisites

Strong vocabulary Understanding of gradable adjectives Knowledge of intensity levels Sense of word strength
Why This Matters: Degree Analogy appears in 1-2 questions in SSC CGL, Banking PO, and Railways exams. It is common in GRE and CAT as well.

How to Solve Degree Analogy Problems

1

Step 1: Identify the relationship between the first pair of words (A : B)

2

Step 2: Determine the direction of intensity (A is less intense than B, or B is less intense than A)

3

Step 3: Understand the specific quality being graded (temperature, emotion, size, etc.)

4

Step 4: Look at the third word (C) and find a word (D) that has the same degree relationship with C

5

Step 5: Maintain the same direction of intensity

6

Step 6: Eliminate options that don't fit the degree relationship

7

Step 7: Choose the option that best maintains the intensity relationship

Pro Strategy: Build vocabulary with an understanding of intensity levels. Learn gradable word families (Warm-Hot-Scorching, Cool-Cold-Freezing). Pay attention to whether the intensity is increasing or decreasing.

Example Problem

Example: Warm : Hot :: Cool : ? Solution: Step 1: Hot is more intense than Warm (increase in temperature intensity) Step 2: The relationship is 'less intense → more intense' Step 3: We need a word that is more intense than Cool Step 4: Options: (a) Cold (b) Freezing (c) Chilly (d) Icy Step 5: Cold is more intense than Cool Step 6: Warm : Hot :: Cool : Cold Answer: Cold

Pro Tips & Tricks

  • Learn common degree pairs: Warm-Hot, Cool-Cold, Like-Love, Dislike-Hate, Drizzle-Rain, Breeze-Wind
  • Understand that degree can be in both directions (increasing or decreasing intensity)
  • Consider the specific quality: temperature, emotion, size, speed, sound, etc.
  • Remember that some words have multiple degrees (Tepid-Warm-Hot-Scorching)
  • Watch for words that are not gradable (dead/alive are complementary, not gradable)
  • Practice with intensity scales for common adjectives

Shortcut Methods to Solve Faster

If B is more intense than A, then D must be more intense than C
If B is less intense than A, then D must be less intense than C
The more intense word often has stronger connotations
Eliminate options where the intensity relationship is reversed

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Confusing degree with synonym or antonym relationships
Choosing a word that is not on the same intensity scale
Reversing the direction of intensity
Selecting a word that is too extreme or not extreme enough

Exam Importance

Degree Analogy is an important topic for various competitive exams. Here's how frequently it appears:

SSC CGL
1-2 questions
BANKING PO
1-2 questions
RAILWAYS RRB
1-2 questions
GRE
2-3 questions
CAT
1-2 questions

Ready to Master Degree Analogy?

Start with Worksheet 1 and work your way up to expert level! Each worksheet includes:

20 practice questions
Detailed solutions
Step-by-step explanations
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