Analogize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”—
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analogize

[ษ™หˆnalษ™หŒdส’สŒษชz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

in academic writing

To compare or relate something to another thing in order to draw similarities or connections.

Synonyms

compare, connect, relate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
analogize

Use when explaining a concept by showing similarities to something else, often in teaching or rhetoric.

  • The teacher analogized the cell to a factory, with each part having a specific role.
  • In his speech, he analogized the cityโ€™s traffic system to the human circulatory system.
compare

Use when examining two or more items to note similarities and differences, often in analysis or decision making.

  • She compared the two novels to show their thematic differences.
  • Before buying a car, it's wise to compare different models for price and features.
relate

Use when explaining how things are associated with each other, often in terms of cause and effect or personal relevance.

  • She related her experiences abroad to the discussion about cultural differences.
  • The scientist related the experimentโ€™s results to the hypothesis.
connect

Use when linking thoughts, ideas, or objects, focusing on how they are related or associated.

  • He connected the dots between the evidence and the suspect.
  • The professor connected historical events to show their impact on modern society.

Examples of usage

  • The author analogizes the concept of human rights to the idea of universal values.
  • The professor encourages students to analogize different theories in their research papers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Literary devices often use analogy to clarify complex themes or emotions, making them relatable to readers.
  • Famous authors, like George Orwell, used analogies in their works to highlight social issues while making them understandable.
  • The analogy is a key element in poetry, allowing poets to draw connections between disparate concepts.

Psychology

  • Analogical reasoning is a cognitive process that enables individuals to draw parallels and make connections between different situations.
  • Research shows that using analogies can enhance problem-solving skills and creativity by allowing new ideas to form.
  • Children often learn new concepts through analogies, linking unfamiliar ideas to familiar ones.

Education

  • Teachers frequently use analogies to explain complex topics by relating them to everyday experiences.
  • Analogies can improve memorization, as they create mental images that make facts more relatable and easier to remember.
  • Educational curricula often emphasize the importance of analogizing as a learning strategy for critical thinking.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and TV shows often use analogies in storylines, making abstract themes more tangible for viewers.
  • Iconic quotes like 'Life is like a box of chocolates' employ analogy to express truth about life's unpredictability.
  • Comedians frequently use analogical humor by comparing exaggerated situations to familiar experiences, creating laughter and connection.

Origin of 'analogize'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'analogos', meaning 'proportionate' or 'based on a relation'.
  • The prefix 'ana-' means 'up' or 'back' and 'logos' means 'reason' or 'word'.
  • The concept of analogizing appeared in philosophical discussions as early as Plato.

The word 'analogize' originated from the combination of 'analog' and the suffix '-ize', which means 'to make or become'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-19th century. The use of 'analogize' has become more prominent in academic and intellectual discourse, particularly in fields such as philosophy, literature, and social sciences.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,522, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.