analytical
gb/ˌænəlˈɪtɪkəl/ us/ˌænəlˈɪtɪkəl/
B2
English
~ 7200
Senses
0 senses
unknown
B2
property
1
using logical, systematic thinking
Able to think about something in a careful, logical way by breaking it into smaller parts.
Usage pattern:
an analytical [approach] to [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'analytical' with 'analysis' and say *'an analysis mind'* instead of 'an analytical mind'. Another mistake is using it for feelings, as in *'I feel analytical today'*, which sounds odd; it usually describes thinking style, not mood.
Synonyms
logical (Focuses on clear, correct reasoning but does not always suggest breaking things into parts.)
|
systematic (Stresses doing things in an ordered way; may be less about deep thinking than 'analytical'.)
Antonyms
intuitive (Describes deciding or understanding quickly by feeling or instinct rather than by step‑by‑step analysis.)
|
emotional (Emphasizes being guided by feelings instead of careful logical thought.)
Collocations
analytical mind
|analytical thinker
|highly analytical
|analytical approach
|strong analytical skills
|analytical way of thinking
Themes
thinking
|education
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She has a very analytical mind and enjoys solving complex problems.
- The company needs someone with strong analytical skills to interpret the sales data.
- His analytical way of thinking helped the team find the cause of the error.
- In the interview they asked several questions to test how analytical the candidates were.
- Writers with an analytical style often focus on structure and clear arguments.
Learner examples
- My brother is very analytical and likes math problems.
- The teacher said we must be more analytical when we read this text.
- I want to improve my analytical thinking for my future job.
- She is quiet, but her analytical mind sees many small details.
- Employers often look for people with good analytical skills.
adjective
formal
C1
property
2
involving detailed analysis of data
Describing work or reports that study information or data in a careful, detailed way.
Usage pattern:
an analytical [report/study/model] of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'analysis report' instead of 'analytical report'. The noun 'analysis' does not replace the adjective; use 'analytical report' or 'report of the analysis'. Some also confuse 'analytical' with 'analysis-based', which is less natural.
Synonyms
in-depth (Suggests thorough detail but not specifically logical or data‑focused like 'analytical'.)
|
data-driven (Stresses using data to guide decisions; overlaps with 'analytical' in business and research contexts.)
Antonyms
superficial (Describes work that looks only at the surface, the opposite of detailed analytical work.)
|
impressionistic (Based on general feelings or quick impressions rather than structured analysis.)
Collocations
analytical report
|analytical study
|analytical model
|analytical framework
|analytical method
|analytical tools
Themes
business
|science
|education
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The analyst prepared an analytical report on customer behavior over the last year.
- Their paper offers an analytical framework for understanding online misinformation.
- We need a more analytical approach to evaluating our marketing campaigns.
- The book provides an analytical overview of recent political changes.
- Her role is mainly analytical, turning raw figures into clear business insights.
Learner examples
- The manager asked for an analytical report on our sales.
- This article is very analytical and uses many numbers.
- Our team used an analytical method to study the problem.
- He built an analytical model to predict future prices.
- The course teaches students how to write analytical essays.
adjective
technical
C2
property
3
relating to chemical analysis work
Connected with the part of chemistry that tests what substances are made of and how much of each part they contain.
Usage pattern:
analytical [chemistry/laboratory/instrument]
Common mistake:
Learners may think 'analytical chemistry' means 'logical chemistry' because of the everyday sense of 'analytical'. In scientific contexts, it specifically refers to chemical analysis, not general logical thinking.
Synonyms
assay (Often used as a noun or verb for testing the contents of a sample; related but more specific than 'analytical'.)
Antonyms
synthetic (In chemistry, can refer to making compounds rather than analyzing them, contrasting with analytical work.)
Collocations
analytical chemistry
|analytical laboratory
|analytical instrument
|analytical balance
|analytical reagent
|analytical grade
Themes
science
|chemistry
Examples
- She specialized in analytical chemistry during her graduate studies.
- The samples were sent to an independent analytical laboratory for testing.
- The new analytical instrument can detect very low levels of impurities.
- We ordered analytical grade solvents for use in the experiment.
- An accurate analytical balance is essential for quantitative work.
Learner examples
- He works in an analytical chemistry lab.
- The company bought new analytical instruments for the lab.
- We use analytical methods to check the purity of the water.
- Analytical chemistry helps us know what is inside a product.
- The lab needs an analytical balance to measure very small masses.
adjective
technical
C2
property
4
based on exact mathematical analysis
In math and science, describing a method that gives an exact formula, not just an approximate number from a computer.
Usage pattern:
an analytical [solution/method] to [a problem]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'analytical' here with general logical thinking and not realize it refers to exact mathematical methods. Another mistake is saying *'analysis solution'* instead of 'analytical solution'.
Synonyms
closed-form (Technical term for an exact formula solution; overlaps with 'analytical solution' in many contexts.)
Antonyms
numerical (Describes solutions found by computation and approximation, contrasting with analytical solutions.)
|
approximate (Indicates a solution that is not exact, unlike an analytical one.)
Collocations
analytical solution
|analytical method
|analytical expression
|analytical function
|analytical mechanics
|analytical result
Themes
mathematics
|science
|technology
Examples
- For this differential equation, an analytical solution is not available.
- We used an analytical method to derive the expression for the electric field.
- The model is simple enough to allow an analytical result.
- Analytical mechanics provides a powerful framework for classical physics.
- In some cases, numerical simulations replace analytical calculations.
Learner examples
- The teacher showed us an analytical solution to the problem.
- Sometimes there is no analytical solution, so we use a computer.
- This formula is an analytical result from the model.
- Engineers prefer an analytical method when it is possible.
- Numerical answers can check an analytical solution.
Grammar
Dictionary form
analytical
IPA
GB/ˌænəlˈɪtɪkəl/
US/ˌænəlˈɪtɪkəl/
Syllables & stress
ana - lyt - ic - al (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (ic)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: analytical
Word family
Expressions
analytical ability
1/ˌænəlˈɪtɪkəl əbˈɪləti/
fixed phrase
how strong someone's analytical skills are
How good a person is at thinking in a careful, logical, and detailed way.
Examples
- The job requires high analytical ability and attention to detail.
- Her analytical ability makes her an excellent data scientist.
analytical approach
1/ˌænəlˈɪtɪkəl əpɹˈoʊt͡ʃ/
fixed phrase
method based on detailed analysis
A way of doing something that uses careful, step‑by‑step thinking and study of the facts.
Examples
- We need an analytical approach to understand why sales are falling.
- Her analytical approach helped simplify a very complicated issue.
analytical chemistry
1/ˌænəlˈɪtɪkəl kˈɛmɪstɹi/
fixed phrase
technical
branch of chemistry for analyzing substances
The part of chemistry that studies what substances are made of and how much of each part they contain.
Examples
- He is doing his PhD in analytical chemistry.
- Analytical chemistry plays a key role in environmental testing.
analytical data
1/ˌænəlˈɪtɪkəl dˈætə/
fixed phrase
technical
data that result from analysis
Information that comes from tests or careful study, especially in science or business.
Examples
- The analytical data confirmed that the product met safety standards.
- All analytical data must be stored for at least five years.
analytical framework
1/ˌænəlˈɪtɪkəl fɹˈeɪmwˌɚk/
fixed phrase
formal
structured model for analyzing something
A structured set of ideas and rules that helps you study and understand a problem or situation.
Examples
- The book proposes an analytical framework for studying social change.
- We used a simple analytical framework to compare the two policies.
analytical method
1/ˌænəlˈɪtɪkəl mˈɛθəd/
fixed phrase
technical
procedure used to analyze samples or data
A specific way or set of steps used to study and measure something.
Examples
- We validated a new analytical method for testing water quality.
- Different analytical methods can give slightly different results.
analytical mind
1/ˌænəlˈɪtɪkəl mˈaɪnd/
fixed phrase
a naturally logical and careful mind
A mind that naturally likes to look at details and use logic to understand things.
Examples
- She has an analytical mind and enjoys complex challenges.
- An analytical mind is a big advantage in scientific research.
analytical model
1/ˌænəlˈɪtɪkəl mˈɑdəl/
fixed phrase
technical
mathematical or logical analysis model
A mathematical or logical system that helps you study and predict how something works.
Examples
- We built an analytical model to estimate future demand.
- The analytical model is based on several simplifying assumptions.
analytical process
1/ˌænəlˈɪtɪkəl pɹˈɑsˌɛs/
fixed phrase
step-by-step procedure of analysis
A series of steps where you carefully study and think about information.
Examples
- Problem-solving often involves an analytical process of defining, exploring, and testing ideas.
- They described the analytical process they used to reach their conclusions.
analytical report
1/ˌænəlˈɪtɪkəl ɹɪpˈɔɹt/
fixed phrase
report that explains results of analysis
A written document that studies information carefully and explains the results.
Examples
- The consultant prepared an analytical report on customer feedback.
- An analytical report should not only describe the data but also explain it.
analytical skills
1/ˌænəlˈɪtɪkəl skˈɪlz/
fixed phrase
ability to think logically and in detail
The ability to understand problems or information by breaking them into parts and thinking about them carefully and logically.
Examples
- Employers often look for candidates with strong analytical skills.
- The course is designed to develop students' analytical skills.
- Her analytical skills helped the team find the real cause of the issue.
analytical solution
1/ˌænəlˈɪtɪkəl səlˈuʃən/
fixed phrase
technical
exact mathematical solution in formula form
An exact answer to a math or science problem that can be written as a clear formula.
Examples
- There is no simple analytical solution to this equation.
- We used a computer to find an approximate result because an analytical solution is not possible.
analytical technique
1/ˌænəlˈɪtɪkəl tɛknˈik/
fixed phrase
technical
specific technical method for analysis
A special scientific way of testing or studying something, such as a sample in a lab.
Examples
- Chromatography is a common analytical technique in chemistry.
- The lab uses several analytical techniques to check product quality.
analytical thinking
1/ˌænəlˈɪtɪkəl θˈɪŋkɪŋ/
fixed phrase
a logical, step-by-step way of thinking
A way of thinking that breaks big problems into smaller parts and looks at them step by step.
Examples
- Analytical thinking is essential for work in finance and IT.
- The test is designed to measure analytical thinking and problem-solving ability.
analytical tool
1/ˌænəlˈɪtɪkəl tˈul/
fixed phrase
tool used to analyze data or information
A method or piece of software that helps you study and understand information.
Examples
- The company uses several analytical tools to track website traffic.
- This spreadsheet is a simple but powerful analytical tool.