online vocabulary.com

Analogy - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

An analogy is a comparison between two things to show similarity, often used to explain complex ideas by relating them to familiar concepts. It helps clarify meaning through likeness.

analogy

/əˈnælədʒi/ /əˈnælədʒi/

Definition:

A comparison between two things to show similarity in some respects.

Synonyms:

comparison, parallel, similarity, correspondence

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

dissimilarity, contrast

Common Collocations:

draw an analogy, use an analogy, explain by analogy, make an analogy

Derivatives:

analogical, analogize, analogous

Usage Tips:

Use analogy to clarify complex ideas by comparing them to familiar concepts.

Common Phrases:

by analogy, draw a parallel, on the analogy of

Etymology:

From Greek 'analogia', meaning proportion or correspondence; via Latin 'analogia'.

Examples:

  • 1. She used an analogy to explain how cells work like tiny factories.
  • 2. The teacher drew an analogy between the heart and a pump.
  • 3. His argument relied heavily on a flawed analogy.
  • 4. Analogies help students grasp abstract concepts more easily.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS