Question

BADGER: BOTHER::

• A. persecute: injure
• B. haunt: remember
• C. belabor: mention
• D. quibble: argue
  (E) censure: evaluate
• E.

Hint:

For verb analogies, think about the manner in which the action is performed. The word 'badger' adds the idea of persistence and annoyance to the word 'bother'. Look for a similar modification of meaning in the answer choices. 'Belabor' adds persistence and excess to 'mention'.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This analogy question compares two verbs. The first verb is a more specific or intense version of the second verb.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Define the relationship in the stem pair: BADGER: BOTHER. To "badger" someone is to repeatedly and annoyingly ask them for something; it is to "bother" them persistently. The relationship is "To X is to Y persistently and excessively."
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let's apply this "To X is to Y persistently" relationship to the options:
- (A) To "persecute" is to subject someone to hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of their race or political or religious beliefs. It may "injure" them, but it is not defined as "injuring persistently."
- (B) To "haunt" (of a ghost or memory) is to be persistently present. It is related to "remember," but the subject is different. A person remembers; a memory haunts. The structure does not match.
- (C) To "belabor" a point is to argue or elaborate on it in excessive detail. It is to "mention" or discuss it persistently and to an annoying degree. This is a perfect match.
- (D) To "quibble" is to argue about a trivial matter. It is a specific type of arguing, but the definition isn't "to argue persistently."
- (E) To "censure" is to express severe disapproval. This is an action that might follow an "evaluation," not a persistent form of it.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The relationship of doing an action persistently or excessively is best mirrored in the pair BELABOR: MENTION.