analog: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical, academic, business
Quick answer
What does “analog” mean?
Relating to or using signals or information represented by a continuously variable physical quantity (such as voltage, position, or rotation) rather than by discrete digital values.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to or using signals or information represented by a continuously variable physical quantity (such as voltage, position, or rotation) rather than by discrete digital values.
1. Something that is similar or comparable to something else in certain respects. 2. In chemistry, a compound with a molecular structure closely similar to that of another. 3. In biology, an organ or structure similar in function to one in another organism but of different evolutionary origin.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'analogue' is strongly preferred in British English for all meanings. The spelling 'analog' is standard in American English, especially in technical contexts, though 'analogue' is also used, particularly for the comparative meaning.
Connotations
In both varieties, the technical meaning dominates modern usage. The spelling difference is the primary distinction.
Frequency
In UK technical writing, 'analog' is increasingly common due to global tech influence, but 'analogue' remains the prescribed form in formal writing and general use.
Grammar
How to Use “analog” in a Sentence
analog to [noun] (e.g., an analog to digital conversion)analog of [noun] (e.g., a chemical analog of the compound)in analog with [noun] (formal/comparative)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “analog” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This process analogues the natural weathering of rocks.
- (Rare as verb; 'analogue' is not standardly used as a verb.)
American English
- (Rare as verb; 'analog' is not standardly used as a verb.)
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; 'analogously' is used, but not 'analogue-ly'.)
American English
- (Not standard; 'analogously' is used, but not 'analog-ly'.)
adjective
British English
- She prefers the warm sound of analogue recordings.
- The biologist studied the analogue structures in different species.
American English
- The old radio relies on analog signals.
- He found an American analog to the British institution.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used when discussing legacy systems, marketing retro products (e.g., 'analog warmth' in audio), or contrasting business models (e.g., 'analog' brick-and-mortar vs. digital).
Academic
Common in electronics, computer science, biology (analogous structures), chemistry, and linguistics (analogical change).
Everyday
Most commonly refers to non-digital clocks/watches, vinyl records, or film cameras. Used to describe 'old-school' methods.
Technical
Precise term in engineering for systems that use continuously variable signals. Key in signal processing, control systems, and circuit design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “analog”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “analog”
- Using 'analogical' instead of 'analogous'. 'Analog' is the noun/adjective; 'analogous' is the adjective for similarity.
- Misspelling 'analogue' as 'analog' in British formal writing.
- Using 'analog' to mean simply 'old' rather than 'operating on a continuous physical variable'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Analog represents information with a continuous physical signal (like a wave), while digital uses discrete values (like binary 1s and 0s).
'Analogue' is the standard British English spelling. 'Analog' is the standard American English spelling, especially in technical contexts.
Yes. Its original meaning is 'something that is similar or comparable to something else'. This is common in science (e.g., 'a chemical analog') and general language (e.g., 'the American analog of this policy').
A traditional clock or watch with moving hands is a classic example. The position of the hands varies continuously, representing time in an analog fashion.
Relating to or using signals or information represented by a continuously variable physical quantity (such as voltage, position, or rotation) rather than by discrete digital values.
Analog is usually technical, academic, business in register.
Analog: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæn.ə.lɒɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæn.ə.lɑːɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A digital mind in an analog world”
- “Living in an analog age”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ANALOG clocks have hands that move Around in a continuous, smooth, ANALOGous way to real time.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTINUITY IS ANALOG / DISCRETENESS IS DIGITAL (e.g., 'Their friendship was analog, deepening gradually over years, not in digital likes.')
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'analog' used to describe structures with similar functions but different evolutionary origins?