The correct answer is: A. Poverty : Ruin
Ovation is a loud and prolonged expression of approval, typically given by a large crowd to an actor, musician, or other performer. Applause is a similar expression of approval, but it is typically shorter and less loud.
Poverty is a state of being poor, which means having little or no money or possessions. Ruin is a state of being destroyed or ruined, which means being damaged or destroyed beyond repair.
Triumph is a victory or success, which means winning or achieving something. Failure is a lack of success, which means not winning or achieving something.
Rout is a complete defeat, which means losing a battle or competition completely. Defeat is a loss, which means not winning a battle or competition.
Grief is a feeling of deep sadness, which is caused by the loss of someone or something important. Loss is the act of losing something, which means not having something anymore.
In each of the other options, the two words do not have the same relationship as the original pair of words. For example, poverty is not the same as ruin, because poverty is a state of being poor, while ruin is a state of being destroyed or ruined. Triumph is not the same as failure, because triumph is a victory or success, while failure is a lack of success. Rout is not the same as defeat, because rout is a complete defeat, while defeat is a loss. Grief is not the same as loss, because grief is a feeling of deep sadness, while loss is the act of losing something.