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? A. flatter B. flutter C. fritter D. frizzle

GATE 2024 · General Aptitude · Most Appropriate Word · medium

Answer: A. flatter - it occupies the middle position between 'please' and 'pander' in the intensity scale of acts of gratification.

1. Establish the intensity scale for the source analogy: talk (casual spoken communication) -> shout (raised voice, emphatic) -> scream (extreme vocal expression). The common concept is vocal communication with increasing force.
2. Map the target analogy to the same intensity scale: please (mild: to satisfy or make happy) -> [?] -> pander (extreme: to cater servilely). The blank must be a mid-intensity word for the concept of 'trying to satisfy/please someone'. Flatter means to praise excessively to gain favour - stronger than simply pleasing but not as extreme as pandering.
3. Verify the answer: please (I genuinely try to make you happy) -> flatter (I compliment you beyond what you deserve to win favour) -> pander (I completely abandon my principles to gratify your every desire). This forms a coherent increasing-intensity sequence.