Meaning & use
analogy
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Meanings
nouncountable
A comparison that shows how two different things are alike, used to explain an idea.
Grammar: Countable: draw an analogy between X and Y.
Patterns
- an analogy between something and something
- an analogy with something
The teacher used an analogy between the heart and a pump.
He drew an analogy with a game of chess.
noununcountableformal
A similarity that allows reasoning from one case to another.
Grammar: Uncountable: argue by analogy.
Patterns
- by analogy
- on the analogy of something
Judges may decide by analogy with earlier cases.
By analogy, the same rule should apply.
Word forms
| plural | analogies |
|---|
Common combinations
- draw an analogy
- She drew an analogy between the two.
- by analogy
- By analogy, we can predict the result.
- false analogy
- That is a false analogy.
- use an analogy
- Use an analogy to explain it.
Synonyms and how they differ
- comparison
- Broader; may show differences too.
- parallel
- Stresses similar events.
- metaphor
- A figure of speech, not an argument.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: analogy or analogue?
analogy vs analogue
Analogue means a similar thing or old-style, not a comparison.
Practice
The doctor drew an ___ between the immune system and an army.
Choose one answer.
An analogy is a comparison for explanation. Analysis means detailed study.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “analogy”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.