If '→' denotes increasing order of intensity, then the meaning of the words [talk → shout → scream] is analogous to [please → ______ → pander]. Which one of the given options is appropriate to fill the blank?
flatter
flutter
fritter
frizzle
flatter
The correct option is flatter.
Step-by-step Explanation:
1. Analyze the first sequence:
The given sequence is [talk → shout → scream].
The arrow '→' denotes an increasing order of intensity. Let's analyze the meanings of these three verbs:
- talk: to speak in order to give information or express ideas.
- shout: to speak very loudly to attract attention or express strong emotion (more intense than talk).
- scream: to make a loud, sharp, piercing cry, usually expressing extreme fear, pain, or excitement (more intense than shout).
Thus, the relationship is a progressive increase in the intensity of vocal expression.
2. Analyze the second sequence:
The target sequence is [please → ______ → pander].
Let's analyze the words we know:
- please: to give pleasure or satisfaction to someone (gentle/moderate intensity).
- pander: to gratify or indulge an immoral or distasteful desire, need, or habit, or a person with such a desire (highly intense, often excessive or subservient gratification).
We need a word that fits between please and pander in terms of increasing intensity of trying to gratify or satisfy someone.
3. Evaluate the options:
- flatter: to praise somewhat insincerely or excessively, usually to please someone or gain an advantage. This represents an intermediate stage of intensity between simply trying to please someone and completely pandering to them.
- flutter: to fly unsteadily or hover. This is unrelated to the context of pleasing/satisfying.
- fritter: to waste time, money, or energy on trifling matters. This is unrelated.
- frizzle: to fry until crisp and shriveled, or to curl hair. This is unrelated.
Therefore, flatter perfectly fills the blank to complete the analogy of increasing intensity: [please → flatter → pander].