Patwari Exam · Reasoning
Analogies in Reasoning
This note explains how to identify the A:B::C:? relationship and solve analogy questions using simple examples.
- Reasoning & Numerical Ability
- 5 min read
Verified 6 October 2026
Key Formulas & Methods
- Analogy principle
- Principle of analogy: A:B::C:? — whatever relationship A and B have, the same relationship applies to C and ?.
- Opposite relationship
- Example: Day:Night::Hot:? → opposite relationship → answer: Cold.
- Part-whole relationship
- Part-whole: Petal:Flower::Leaf:? → Tree.
- Product-raw material
- Product-raw material: Bread:Wheat::Sugar:? → Sugarcane.
- Occupation-workplace
- Occupation-workplace: Doctor:Hospital::Teacher:? → School.
- Language-country
- Language:Country → Hindi:India::Arabic:? → Saudi Arabia.
- Exam tip
- Exam tip: first define the exact relationship between A:B, then apply it to C.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basic principle for solving analogy questions?+
In A:B::C:?, whatever relationship exists between A and B also applies between C and ?; first define the exact relationship between A:B, then apply it to C.
What is an example of a part-whole relationship?+
Just as Petal:Flower is a part-whole relationship, Leaf:Tree has the same relationship.
How do you recognize an occupation-workplace relationship?+
Like Doctor:Hospital, Teacher:School is a relationship between a person and their workplace.