GRE Vocabulary Builder

Answer: Choice (D) is correct.

In the first half of the analogy, the words precarious and committed are antonyms. Precarious means shaky or insecure, not committed, so look for the answer choice that contains antonyms. In choice (A), something that is brusque is abrupt or curt, so eliminate that choice. In choice (B), someone who is contentious is quarrelsome and difficult to get along with, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), something that is decorous is proper, and has decorum or good taste, so eliminate that choice. Choice (D) is the only choice that contains antonyms. Something that is dolorous is sorrowful, not joyful, so that is the correct choice.