In this module, you will learn to identify and solve simple analogies. You will discover how words or concepts are related to one another, for example through meaning, function, or category.
Free practice test
Practice Analogies for free
Free Analogies
9 questions · 3 min
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What are verbal analogies?
An analogy compares two word pairs: 'bird is to nest as bee is to …'. You find the relationship in the first pair and apply it to the second. Verbal analogies measure verbal reasoning and vocabulary and are common in Dutch aptitude tests.
It is rarely about difficult words. It is about naming the relationship precisely: not 'goes with', but 'lives in' or 'is the tool for'.
Also called word analogies. See also: Practise verbal reasoning for free.
How to solve an analogy
- Turn the first pair into a sentence: 'A bird lives in a nest.'
- Put the second word in the same sentence: 'A bee lives in a …'.
- More than one option fits? Make your sentence more precise (size, direction, function, part–whole).
- Common relationships: part–whole, tool–action, cause–effect, opposites, degree (warm–hot) and profession–workplace.
Worked examples
Bird : nest = bee : ?
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Hive
The relationship is 'lives in'.
Pen : write = knife : ?
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Cut
The relationship is 'is the tool used to'.
Big : enormous = small : ?
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Tiny
The relationship is 'the same quality, to a stronger degree'.
Leaf : tree = feather : ?
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Bird
The relationship is 'is part of'. Note that 'fly' does not fit: it is an action, not a whole.
Open : closed = early : ?
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Late
The relationship is 'is the opposite of'.
Practise more with the practice pack
7 practice sets with 106 questions in total, each with an explanation. From €4.99 for 1 day, paid once.
Frequently asked questions
What does analogy mean in a test?
An analogy is a shared relationship between two pairs of things. In a test it means the relationship in the first word pair is the same as in the second.
How do I get better at analogies?
Practise making a precise sentence for the first word pair. Most mistakes come from naming the relationship too vaguely, not from unknown words.
How much time do you get per analogy?
It varies by test. Our free practice test gives you 3 minutes for 9 analogies, so 20 seconds each. Name the relationship in one short sentence straight away.
Can I practise analogies for free?
Yes. On this page you practise 9 analogies for free, with an explanation for every answer. You don't need an account. The practice pack adds more practice sets and a mock test.