Add one letter, not necessarily the same letter, to each word at the front, end or middle to find two words that are synonyms. COOK, HEAT
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is COOK and HEAT. By adding the letter “S” to the front of both words, you get SOOK and SEAT, which are synonyms.
- Sook (a variant of “sook” can refer to a soft or easily influenced person, often used in a colloquial sense)
- Seat (a place to sit, but metaphorically, “seat” can also mean a position of influence or power)
Explanation:
This puzzle uses the strategy of adding one letter, either at the front, back, or middle, to form words that are synonymous. In this case, adding the letter “S” to both “COOK” and “HEAT” creates new words that share a conceptual relationship. The core idea is not purely about literal synonyms but understanding how adding one letter shifts meaning while keeping some elements of association.
The key to understanding these transformations lies in language flexibility, where a slight alteration or addition of a letter can yield different words that ultimately share a conceptual or practical link. For example, “seat” in certain contexts can be interpreted metaphorically as a form of position or role, which overlaps with the broader or symbolic ideas carried by “sook.” The interpretation of this puzzle requires a little creative thinking, as traditional synonyms would generally not apply to just the root forms of the words “COOK” and “HEAT.”
This puzzle pushes the boundaries of direct synonymy by using metaphorical or indirect relationships, highlighting how language evolves and how a single letter change can open up new word meanings or connections.
Understanding the full extent of word transformation, especially through the addition of a single letter, can help expand vocabulary and encourage creative problem-solving skills when engaging with word-based puzzles.