Question

SLACKEN: TENSION::

• A. rarefy: expansion
• B. blunt: sharpness
• C. obscure: cloudiness
• D. quicken: animation
• E. oscillate: rotation

Hint:

Focus on the direction of the action. Verbs can increase, decrease, or create a quality. "Slacken" is a verb of decrease. Look for another verb of decrease in the first position of the answer choices. "Blunt" is a verb of decrease.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This analogy relates a verb to a noun. The verb describes an action that reduces the quality described by the noun.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Define the relationship: To "slacken" is to make or become less tight, to reduce "tension." The relationship is "To X is to reduce Y."
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let's apply the "To X is to reduce Y" relationship:
- (A) To rarefy is to make less dense, which is a form of expansion. It doesn't reduce expansion.
- (B) To blunt is to make less sharp, to reduce "sharpness." This is a perfect match.
- (C) To obscure is to make unclear. Cloudiness is a state of being obscure, not something that is reduced by it.
- (D) To quicken is to increase animation or speed, not reduce it.
- (E) To oscillate is to swing back and forth. Rotation is to turn in a circle. They are different types of motion.
Step 4: Final Answer:
Just as to slacken is to reduce tension, to blunt is to reduce sharpness.