Analogy

Definition

Analogy is a noun that refers to a comparison between two things that are alike in some way, often used to explain or clarify one concept by highlighting its similarities with another, more familiar concept.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈnælədʒi/
• Respelling: uh-NAL-uh-jee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈnælədʒi/
• Respelling: uh-NAL-uh-jee

The pronunciation of "analogy" is the same in both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "analogy" originates from the Greek word "analogía," meaning "proportion" or "correspondence," which combines "ana-" (up or again) and "logos" (reason or word). The term entered English in the late 15th century, initially used in logic and rhetoric to describe reasoning based on similarity.

Derivatives

• Analogous (adjective)
• Analogize (verb)
• Analogously (adverb)
• Analogist (noun)
• Analogue (noun)

Synonyms

• Comparison
• Similarity
• Parallel

Antonyms

• Difference
• Contrast
• Dissimilarity

Usage

The term "analogy" is widely used in educational, rhetorical, and scientific contexts to help explain a concept by comparing it to a similar idea. For example, "The teacher used an analogy to explain the flow of electricity," or "Her analogy clarified the complex idea for the audience." It is a tool for understanding by relating unfamiliar concepts to familiar ones.

Related Terms

• Metaphor: A figure of speech that directly refers to one thing by mentioning another for rhetorical effect.
• Simile: A figure of speech comparing two different things, often introduced by "like" or "as."
• Homology: The existence of shared ancestry between a pair of structures or genes in different species.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A comparison based on similarity: Refers to the use of similarity between two things to explain or clarify a concept.
  • Example: "The analogy between the human brain and a computer helps explain its functions."
• Logical reasoning from parallel cases: In logic, refers to a form of reasoning that relies on the assumption that if two things are alike in some aspects, they may be alike in others.
  • Example: "The analogy was used to support his argument."