Q.3 Select the word that fits the analogy:
Cover: Uncovers Associate
(A) Unassociate
(B) Inassociate
(C) Misassociate
(D) Dissociate

This analogy question tests your understanding of prefixes and antonyms in English verbal reasoning. Analogies follow a pattern like “A is to B as C is to D,” where the relationship between the first pair mirrors the second. Here, “cover” means to hide or conceal, while “uncovers” is its direct opposite—removing the cover to reveal. We need a word that similarly reverses “associate,” which means to connect or link.

Correct Answer: Why Dissociate Fits Perfectly

Dissociate is the precise antonym of “associate.”

• Associate (verb): To join or connect ideas, people, or things (e.g., “They associate coffee with mornings”).

• Dissociate (verb): To break the connection or separate (e.g., “She decided to dissociate from the group”).

The prefix “dis-” means reversal or negation, just like “un-” in “uncovers” negates “cover.” This creates a clear antonym pair: Cover → Uncovers (negation) :: Associate → Dissociate (negation). In exams like GRE, CAT, or bank POs, such prefix-based reversals are common in analogies.

Breakdown of All Options: Why the Others Fail

Let’s evaluate each choice to see why only (D) works:

• (A) Unassociate: This isn’t a real English word. “Un-” implies reversal, but “unassociate” lacks dictionary recognition and standard usage. It sounds awkward and fails the analogy test for lacking legitimacy.

• (B) Inassociate: Also not a valid word. “In-” can mean “not” (e.g., inactive), but “inassociate” doesn’t exist in English lexicons like Oxford or Merriam-Webster. It might confuse with “inaccessible,” but it doesn’t reverse “associate” properly.

• (C) Misassociate: This is a real term, meaning to associate incorrectly (e.g., “misassociate symptoms with the wrong disease”). The prefix “mis-” denotes error, not reversal—like “misunderstand” vs. “understand.” It changes the relationship to “wrong association,” breaking the direct negation pattern of the first pair.

Only dissociate maintains the exact antonym structure, making it the standout choice.

Quick Tips for Solving Analogy Questions

• Identify the core relationship (here, negation via prefix).

• Check prefixes: un-/dis- for reversal, mis- for error, in-/im- for negation.

• Verify word validity using context or mental dictionary checks.

• Practice with similar pairs: Bind: Unbind :: Link: Disconnect.

Mastering these boosts scores in competitive exams. For more verbal ability practice, explore analogy worksheets or apps like Vocabulary.com.