analogize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, academic
Quick answer
What does “analogize” mean?
To make a comparison between two things, explaining or interpreting one by drawing a parallel to the other.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make a comparison between two things, explaining or interpreting one by drawing a parallel to the other.
To use analogy as a reasoning method; to argue or explain by pointing out similarities between a known concept and a less familiar one.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the word, but British English may show a slight preference for the variant 'analogise' in writing (though 'analogize' is widely accepted). The word is more common in American academic discourse.
Connotations
Carries a slightly intellectual or technical connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in general discourse but established in academic, literary, and analytical writing.
Grammar
How to Use “analogize” in a Sentence
analogize A to Banalogize between A and Banalogize A with BVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “analogize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Critics often analogise the brain's structure to a vast, intricate network.
- He analogised between the rise of populism and historical precedents.
American English
- She analogized the company's growth to a rocket launch.
- It's tempting to analogize the internet with a public utility.
adverb
British English
- N/A for 'analogize'. The related adverb is 'analogously'.
American English
- N/A for 'analogize'. The related adverb is 'analogously'.
adjective
British English
- N/A for 'analogize'. The related adjective is 'analogous'.
American English
- N/A for 'analogize'. The related adjective is 'analogous'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May be used in strategic planning to explain a new market by comparing it to a known one.
Academic
Common in philosophy, law, literature, and science to explain complex ideas through analogy.
Everyday
Very rare. Would sound overly formal or pretentious in casual conversation.
Technical
Used in fields like cognitive science and linguistics to describe reasoning processes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “analogize”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “analogize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “analogize”
- Using 'analogize' when 'analyse' is meant. Confusing 'analogize to' with 'analogize with' (both are used, but 'to' is more common for direct comparison).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Analogize' is standard in American English. 'Analogise' is a common variant in British English, though 'analogize' is also widely accepted. Both are correct depending on the variety.
'Compare' is a general term for noting similarities and differences. 'Analogize' is more specific and formal; it focuses on explaining or interpreting one thing by highlighting its conceptual similarities to another, often dissimilar, thing.
It most commonly takes 'to' (analogize X to Y). 'With' (analogize X with Y) and 'between' (analogize between X and Y) are also used, but 'to' implies a more direct, explanatory comparison.
It is very rare in casual conversation and would sound overly formal or academic. In everyday contexts, simpler verbs like 'compare', 'liken', or phrases like 'it's like...' are preferred.
To make a comparison between two things, explaining or interpreting one by drawing a parallel to the other.
Analogize is usually formal, academic in register.
Analogize: in British English it is pronounced /əˈnalədʒʌɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈnæləˌdʒaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To analogize is to humanize (an abstract concept).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ANALOGY' + 'IZE' -> to turn something INTO an analogy.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDERSTANDING IS SEEING SIMILARITIES (To understand X, you see it as Y).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'analogize' correctly?