Question

Directions: Choose the word or pair of words that best completes the relationship to the given pair:
allusion: reference:: ________:_________

• A. bombast : broadcast
• B. paucity : scarcity
• C. ostentation : swagger
• D. dearth : affection

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

This is an analogy based question. The idea here is to find the option which draws a similar relationship to that of the given pair. Start by making a bridge between the words given in the question stem— ‘allusion’ and ‘reference’ are synonyms that refer to ‘the action of mentioning or remarking about something’. The relationship shared is that of synonyms. 
Now, plug the bridge into the answer choices: 
(A) ‘Bombast’ refers to pompous language, intended to impress people. ‘Broadcast’ means to transmit a program through radio or television. The words are unrelated to each other. Incorrect. 
(E) ‘Dearth’ indicates a lack or scarcity of something while ‘affection’ indicates a feeling of fondness or liking. Incorrect. 
(C) While ‘opulence’ indicates great wealth or luxury; ‘grandiloquence’ is a synonym of ‘bombast’. It refers to loud, pompous talk that contains no real substance. These words are unrelated. Incorrect. 
(D) ‘Ostentation’ refers to the pretentious show of wealth. ‘Swagger’ refers to arrogant behavior or conduct. Incorrect. 
(B) ‘Paucity’ and ‘scarcity’ are synonyms that refer to the dearth or shortage of something. [Correct.]