Select the word that fits the analogy:
Cover : Uncover :: Associate : ________
Options:
(A) Unassociate
(B) Inassociate
(C) Misassociate
(D) Dissociate
Official Answer Key:
D
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Official Solution & Concept Analysis (GATE BT 2020 Q.3)**
**1. Governing Concept**:
- **Topic**: Verbal Aptitude & Morphological Antonyms (Prefixation)
- Word relationship: *Word : Standard Antonym via Prefixation*.
- The standard antonym of *Cover* is *Uncover* (formed by negative prefix *un-*).
- The standard grammatical antonym of *Associate* (to join/connect) is **Dissociate** (to disconnect/separate, formed by prefix *dis-*).
- "Unassociate", "Inassociate", and "Misassociate" are non-existent or ungrammatical formations in standard English.
**2. Option Analysis**:
- **Option (A) [Unassociate / Inassociate] is INCORRECT**: Non-standard morphological neologisms.
- **Option (B) is INCORRECT**: Blank/invalid distractor.
- **Option (C) [Misassociate] is INCORRECT**: Refers to erroneous association, not the direct antonym of associating.
- **Option (D) [Dissociate] is CORRECT**: The established lexical antonym of associate.
**3. Final Answer**:
- **Correct Choice**: **D**
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