Correct Answer:
D. Ephemeral : Immortal
The correct answer is Ephemeral : Immortal. This is an analogy based on antonym (opposite) relationship. The word "feral" means wild, untamed, or undomesticated, which is the direct opposite of "tame" (domesticated, gentle). Similarly, "ephemeral" means short‑lived or temporary, and "immortal" means living forever or never dying — they are also direct opposites.
Breaking Down the Analogy
The analogy works by matching two pairs of words that are exact opposites:
- Feral → Tame: Feral describes an animal that has reverted to a wild state; tame describes an animal that is domesticated and gentle. They are antonymous.
- Ephemeral → Immortal: Ephemeral refers to something that lasts for a very short time; immortal refers to something that lives forever or is everlasting. This is a perfect antonym pair.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
- Rancid : Rational: Rancid means having a stale or rotten smell/taste; rational means logical or sensible. These words have no clear opposite or analogous relationship.
- Nettlesome : Annoying: Nettlesome means causing irritation or annoyance; annoying means causing irritation. These are synonyms, not opposites. The analogy requires an antonym pair.
- Repentant : Honourable: Repentant means feeling or expressing remorse; honourable means deserving respect or having high moral standards. They are not direct opposites.
Therefore, the only pair that correctly mirrors the feral/tame opposite relationship is "Ephemeral : Immortal," making it the correct answer.