analogy
uh-NA-luhd-zhee
Analogy (noun) means a comparison between two things to explain or clarify an idea, based on some shared feature. Example: “The teacher used the analogy of a leaking bucket to explain data loss.”
noun
1
A comparison between two things to explain or clarify an idea, based on some shared feature.
"The teacher used the analogy of a leaking bucket to explain data loss."
"He drew an analogy between running a business and steering a ship."
"Explaining electricity with an analogy to water flowing through pipes helped the students understand."
How to use analogy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishExplaining one thing by comparing it to something more familiar.
Common pairings
draw an analogy
a useful analogy
by analogy
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Word forms
- Plural
- analogies
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The teacher used the _____ of a leaking bucket to explain data loss.
Etymology
From Greek analogia, meaning "proportion" or "correspondence."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for analogy
See all rhymes for analogy →Frequently asked questions
What does “analogy” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “analogy”?
“Analogy” is pronounced uh-NA-luhd-zhee (/əˈnæləd͡ʒi/ in IPA).
How do you use “analogy” in a sentence?
Here is “analogy” used in a sentence: “The teacher used the analogy of a leaking bucket to explain data loss.”
What part of speech is “analogy”?
“Analogy” is a noun.
Where does the word “analogy” come from?
The word “analogy” comes from Greek. From Greek analogia, meaning "proportion" or "correspondence.".
Is “analogy” a common word?
“Analogy” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between an analogy and a metaphor?
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.
What is the difference between an analogy and a simile?
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.
When should you use an 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.
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