Definition

1. Noun:
   • A comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification: "Analogy" refers to the process of drawing parallels to highlight similarities in certain aspects, often to make a complex idea more understandable.
   • A similarity or correspondence between two otherwise different things: It denotes a relationship of likeness in some specific features or functions.
   • (In logic) A form of reasoning in which one thing is inferred to be similar to another thing in a certain respect, based on the known similarity in other respects: This is a method of inductive argument.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The teacher used an analogy between the human heart and a pump to explain how it works.
  • There is a clear analogy between the structure of an atom and a solar system.
  • By analogy with the previous successful project, we can expect similar results.

Advanced Usage

• "To draw/make an analogy": To create or point out a comparison.
  • The author draws an analogy between the rise and fall of empires and the changing seasons.
• "On the analogy of": Based on or following the pattern of something similar.
  • The word "editress" was formed on the analogy of "actress".
• "Argument from analogy": A logical argument that infers that because two things are alike in one or more respects, they are likely alike in another respect.
  • His prediction was based on a weak argument from analogy with a different economic era.

Variants and Related Words

• Analogous (adj): Similar or comparable in certain respects.
  • The wings of a bird and those of an airplane are analogous structures.
• Analog (n): Something that is similar or comparable to something else. (Note: Also has a technical meaning in computing/electronics.)
  • In chemistry, researchers studied a synthetic analog of the natural compound.

Synonyms

• Comparison: The act of comparing.
• Simile: A figure of speech explicitly comparing two different things using "like" or "as" (a specific rhetorical form of analogy).
• Parallel: A similarity or equivalence.
• Correspondence: A close similarity, connection, or equivalence.

Related Phrases

• False analogy: A logical fallacy where an analogy is drawn between two things that are not sufficiently similar in relevant aspects.
  • Comparing a country's economy to a household budget is often a false analogy.
• Analogical reasoning: The cognitive process of transferring information or meaning from a particular subject to another particular subject.

Related Idioms

• "It's like comparing apples and oranges": An idiom used to suggest that an analogy or comparison is invalid because the two things are fundamentally different. This phrase is often used to criticize a weak or false analogy.
  • You can't judge a painter and a sculptor by the same criteria—that's like comparing apples and oranges.

Noun

1. the religious belief that between creature and creator no similarity can be found so great but that the dissimilarity is always greater; any analogy between God and humans will always be inadequate
2. drawing a comparison in order to show a similarity in some respect
   • the operation of a computer presents and interesting analogy to the working of the brain
   • the models show by analogy how matter is built up
3. an inference that if things agree in some respects they probably agree in others