Analogy — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ə-ˈna-lə-jē/ anal·o·gy

Meaning & Definition of Analogy

Analogy (noun)

  1. a comparison of two otherwise unlike things based on resemblance of a particular aspect; also, one of the two things being compared
  2. resemblance in some particulars between things otherwise unlike, similarity
  3. inference that if two or more things agree with one another in some respects they will probably agree in others

Analogy (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a way of describing or explaining one thing by means of describing another with which it shares certain points or qualities

    "The teacher used the analogy of a common pipeline to explain bandwidth on the Internet."

    similar: circumlocution, code word, conceit, crank, dead metaphor, euphemism, metaphor, simile, device, catachresis, mixed metaphor, expression, figure of speech, idiom

  2. resemblance in certain points or qualities between two or more otherwise unlike things

    "The study made note of analogies between human and ape social behavior."

    similar: counterpart, equal, equivalent, homology, commonality, common denominator, congruity, correspondence, parallel, resemblance, similarity, similitude
    opposite: difference, discrepancy, deviance, divergence, incongruence, incongruity, change, modification, variation, dissimilarity

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Analogy

The most common words with a similar meaning to Analogy:

circumlocution, code word, conceit, crank, dead metaphor, euphemism, metaphor, simile, device, catachresis, mixed metaphor, expression, figure of speech, idiom, counterpart, equal, equivalent, homology, commonality, common denominator, congruity, correspondence, parallel, resemblance, similarity, similitude

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Analogy

Words with the opposite meaning of Analogy:

difference, discrepancy, deviance, divergence, incongruence, incongruity, change, modification, variation, dissimilarity

Word Forms of Analogy

Inflections: analogies

Origin & Etymology of Analogy

Middle English analogie, borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin analogia "ratio, proportion, correspondence in the inflection and derivation of words, the use of this correspondence in word derivation," borrowed from Greek analogía "proportion, relation, correspondence in the inflection and derivation of words," from análogos "proportionate, conformable, analogous" + -ia -y:2

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Analogy

Words & Phrases Containing Analogy

draw/make an analogy between

Frequently Asked Questions about Analogy

What does "Analogy" mean?

"Analogy" means a comparison of two otherwise unlike things based on resemblance of a particular aspect; also, one of the two things being compared. As a noun, it is defined as: a comparison of two otherwise unlike things based on resemblance of a particular aspect; also, one of the two things being compared. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Analogy"?

Other words for "Analogy" include circumlocution, code word, conceit, crank, dead metaphor, euphemism, metaphor and simile. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Analogy" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Analogy"?

There are 26 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Analogy". Common alternatives include circumlocution, code word, conceit, crank, dead metaphor, euphemism, metaphor, simile, device and catachresis.

What is the opposite of "Analogy"?

Antonyms of "Analogy" include difference, discrepancy, deviance, divergence, incongruence, incongruity, change and modification.

How do you use "Analogy" in a sentence?

Examples of "Analogy" in a sentence: "The teacher used the analogy of a common pipeline to explain bandwidth on the Internet."; "The study made note of analogies between human and ape social behavior.".

Is "Analogy" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Analogy" is a noun.

Is "Analogy" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Analogy" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Analogy"?

"Analogy" is pronounced /ə-ˈna-lə-jē/ and divided into syllables as anal·o·gy.