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Symbol-Meaning Analogy

Symbol-Meaning Analogy problems involve pairs where one word represents a symbol or emblem and the other represents its associated meaning, quality, or concept (e.g., Dove : Peace). You must identify the symbolic relationship in the first pair and apply it to complete the second pair.

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 Symbol-Meaning Analogy

Symbol-Meaning Analogy problems involve pairs where one word represents a symbol or emblem and the other represents its associated meaning, quality, or concept (e.g., Dove : Peace). You must identify the symbolic relationship in the first pair and apply it to complete the second pair.

Prerequisites

General knowledge of common symbols Understanding of cultural associations Awareness of literary and religious symbolism Abstract thinking skills
Why This Matters: Symbol-Meaning Analogy appears in 1-2 questions in SSC CGL, Banking PO, and Railways exams.

How to Solve Symbol-Meaning Analogy Problems

1

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

2

Step 2: Determine if A is the symbol and B is its meaning, or vice versa

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Step 3: Note the direction (symbol→meaning or meaning→symbol)

4

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

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Step 5: Maintain the same direction of relationship

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

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Step 7: Choose the option that best maintains the symbol-meaning relationship

Pro Strategy: Build knowledge of common symbols and their meanings across different cultures. Pay attention to universal symbols vs culture-specific symbols.

Example Problem

Example: Dove : Peace :: Red : ? Solution: Step 1: Dove symbolizes Peace (symbol → meaning) Step 2: The relationship is 'symbol to its meaning' Step 3: We need the meaning of Red Step 4: Options: (a) Danger (b) Love (c) Purity (d) Calm Step 5: Red symbolizes Danger (or Love depending on context) Step 6: Dove : Peace :: Red : Danger Answer: Danger

Pro Tips & Tricks

  • Learn common symbol-meaning pairs: Dove-Peace, Red-Danger, White-Purity, Black-Mourning, Olive branch-Peace, Skull-Death, Heart-Love, Rose-Romance
  • Understand color symbolism (Red-Danger/Passion, Blue-Calm, Green-Environment, Yellow-Warning/Happiness)
  • Remember animal symbolism (Lion-Bravery, Fox-Cunning, Owl-Wisdom, Eagle-Freedom)
  • Be aware of religious and mythological symbols (Cross-Christianity, Crescent-Islam, Lotus-Purity)
  • Watch for national symbols (Eagle-USA, Maple Leaf-Canada, Lotus-India)
  • Some symbols have multiple meanings depending on context

Shortcut Methods to Solve Faster

If A symbolizes B, then C symbolizes D
The symbol is typically a concrete noun
The meaning is typically an abstract noun or quality
Eliminate options where the symbolic association is weak or incorrect

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Confusing symbol-meaning with category or characteristic relationships
Choosing a meaning that is not commonly associated with the symbol
Reversing the direction of the relationship
Selecting a symbol that has no established meaning

Exam Importance

Symbol-Meaning 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
0-1 questions
CAT
0-1 questions

Ready to Master Symbol-Meaning 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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