analogy
An analogy is a cognitive process of transferring information or meaning from a particular subject to another, or a linguistic expression corresponding to such a process. It is primarily used to explain a complex idea by comparing it to something more familiar to the audience.
Examples
3 of 5The teacher used the analogy of a plumbing system to explain how electricity flows through a circuit.
The instructor compared electric current to water in pipes to make it easier to understand.
In his closing argument, the prosecutor drew a compelling analogy between the defendant's actions and a calculated chess move.
The lawyer equated the person's behavior to a strategic game of chess to prove intent.
It's like trying to find a needle in a haystack—that's the best analogy I've got for this search.
This comparison illustrates how difficult the task is using a common idiom.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of an 'Analog' clock. The movement of the clock's hands is an 'analogy' for the passing of time—the hands represent time through spatial movement.
Quick Quiz
The scientist drew a(n) ________ between the human nervous system and a complex fiber-optic network.
Correct!
The correct answer is: analogy
Examples
The teacher used the analogy of a plumbing system to explain how electricity flows through a circuit.
everydayThe instructor compared electric current to water in pipes to make it easier to understand.
In his closing argument, the prosecutor drew a compelling analogy between the defendant's actions and a calculated chess move.
formalThe lawyer equated the person's behavior to a strategic game of chess to prove intent.
It's like trying to find a needle in a haystack—that's the best analogy I've got for this search.
informalThis comparison illustrates how difficult the task is using a common idiom.
Reasoning by analogy is a fundamental tool in the development of scientific hypotheses and theoretical frameworks.
academicUsing comparisons is a basic method for creating scientific theories and ideas.
We can see a clear analogy between our company's current restructuring and the pivot made by Netflix in 2011.
businessThere is a direct comparison between our business changes and those made by another successful company.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
reasoning by analogy
a method of reaching a conclusion based on similarities between items
flawed analogy
a comparison that fails because the subjects are too different
use an analogy
to employ a comparative story or concept to explain a point
Often Confused With
A metaphor is a figure of speech where one thing is said to be another; an analogy is a logical argument or detailed explanation showing how two things are alike.
A simile is a brief comparison using 'like' or 'as'; an analogy is often more extended and focuses on the underlying logic of the similarity.
Usage Notes
Analogy is a versatile term used in literature, logic, and science. At a C2 level, focus on its role in argumentative logic (inductive reasoning) rather than just as a simple literary device.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'analogy to' when 'analogy between' or 'analogy with' might be more appropriate depending on the sentence structure.
Memory Tip
Think of an 'Analog' clock. The movement of the clock's hands is an 'analogy' for the passing of time—the hands represent time through spatial movement.
Word Origin
Derived from the Greek 'analogia', meaning 'proportion' or 'due ratio', from 'ana-' (upon/according to) + 'logos' (ratio/reason).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Western philosophy and legal systems, 'argument by analogy' is a specific and formal method of persuasion used to apply existing rules to new, similar situations.
Quick Quiz
The scientist drew a(n) ________ between the human nervous system and a complex fiber-optic network.
Correct!
The correct answer is: analogy
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
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