analogy

The word “analogy” means a comparison between two things to explain or clarify an idea, based on some shared feature. In plain terms, explaining one thing by comparing it to something more familiar.

“Analogy” is pronounced uh-NA-luhd-zhee (/əˈnæləd͡ʒi/ in IPA).

Here is “analogy” used in a sentence: “The teacher used the analogy of a leaking bucket to explain data loss.”

“Analogy” is a noun.

The word “analogy” comes from Greek. From Greek analogia, meaning "proportion" or "correspondence.".

“Analogy” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

An analogy explicitly compares two things to explain or clarify an idea, often spelling out how they are alike, while a metaphor states that one thing is another without direct explanation, relying on implied resemblance. Analogies are typically used for teaching or argument, while metaphors are more common in literary language.

A simile is a short figure of speech that directly compares two things using "like" or "as," while an analogy is usually a fuller comparison explaining how two things share an underlying feature. A simile can be one small part of a longer analogy.

Analogies work best when explaining an unfamiliar or complex idea by comparing it to something the audience already understands. They are most effective when the two things share a clear, relevant similarity rather than a superficial one.