Analogy
/əˈnælədʒi/
Definitions
A resemblance in some particulars between things otherwise unlike; a comparison based on such resemblance.
/əˈnælədʒi/
A comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification.
He used the analogy of a tree to explain the company's growth.
💡 Simply: Comparing two things to show how they are similar.
More Examples
The analogy between the brain and a computer is often used.
How It's Used
"The teacher used an analogy to explain photosynthesis."
"The scientist drew an analogy between the atom and the solar system."
From Late Latin analogia, from Greek analogia, from analogos 'proportionate', from ana- 'upon, according to' + logos 'ratio, word'.
The word analogy has been used for centuries in rhetoric and philosophical discussions to describe comparisons, gradually extending its use into scientific and educational contexts.
Memory tip
Think 'analog' like an analog clock, which is similar but different to a digital clock.