analogy
A way of explaining something by comparing it to something else that is similar in an important way.
A comparison between two things, usually different in many ways, that is used to explain, clarify, or argue about one of them by showing a similarity.
A way in which two or more things are similar, especially in their structure or how they work.
A similarity or correspondence in certain features or structure between two or more things, especially when used in serious or academic discussion.
In the study of language, a change in a word or structure that happens because it copies the pattern of another word or structure.
In linguistics, the process or result of making a word form or construction more regular by modeling it on the pattern of an existing similar form in the language.
- Base: analogy
- Plural: analogies, analogy
by analogy
1reason or decide based on similarity
Using a known example as a model to understand or decide something about another, similar case.
- By analogy with other viruses, researchers expected similar side effects.
- We can, by analogy, assume that the same rule applies in this situation.
- The judge reasoned by analogy from earlier cases with similar facts.
draw an analogy between
1compare two things to explain
To talk about how two things are similar, usually to help explain something or make an argument.
- The writer draws an analogy between modern smartphones and Swiss army knives.
- In his lecture, he drew an analogy between the brain and a city to make the concept easier to understand.
- Environmentalists often draw an analogy between plastic pollution and an oil spill.
make an analogy
1create a comparison to clarify
To create or give a comparison between two things so that an idea is easier to understand.
- The scientist made an analogy to everyday cooking to explain the chemical reaction.
- She made an analogy between team sports and group projects at work.
- It can be helpful to make an analogy when you explain a complex topic.
use an analogy
1employ a comparison to explain
To help explain something by giving a comparison with something else that is similar.
- Teachers often use an analogy to introduce difficult ideas.
- You can use an analogy from sports to explain the company strategy.
- The presenter used an analogy to make the statistics more understandable.