Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

uh-NAL-oh-guhs

Definitions

• Having qualities in common, especially in a way that can be compared or equated.
• Serving as a model or example of something that is similar in structure or function.
• In biology, having a similar function or structure due to convergent evolution, rather than common ancestry.

Usage Examples

• The two companies' approaches were analogous, both focusing on innovation to lead in the market.
• Her argument was analogous to the one presented in the previous debate, highlighting the same logical flaws.
• The human eye and a camera lens are analogous in that both use lenses to focus light onto a sensor.

Etymology

The word "analogous" comes from the Greek word "analogos," meaning "proportionate" or "having a correspondence." It is derived from "ana-" meaning "upon" or "according to" and "logos," meaning "ratio" or "relation." The word entered the English language in the early 17th century, used primarily in logical and philosophical contexts to describe things that could be compared based on their similarities.

Synonyms

• Comparable
• Similar
• Equivalent
• Parallel
• Alike

Antonyms

• Different
• Contrary
• Dissimilar
• Opposite

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, "analogous" is often pronounced with a clearer, softer "a" sound: "uh-NAL-uh-guhs."
• In American English, it may have a slightly more emphasized second syllable: "uh-NAL-oh-guhs."

Historical Usage

The word "analogous" was first used in the 17th century, primarily in logical and philosophical contexts. It was used to describe things that could be compared due to their similarities in structure, function, or role. Over time, the term has expanded into various scientific fields, including biology and linguistics, where it is used to describe similarities in unrelated entities, like analogous organs in different species or analogous words in different languages.

Cultural Nuances

The use of "analogous" in many cultures emphasizes the importance of finding similarities between different elements to understand the world. In some cultures, analogies are a central aspect of learning and problem-solving. For example, in Western education, analogies are often used to explain complex concepts by comparing them with more familiar ideas. In other cultures, however, there may be caution in overusing analogies, especially if they obscure the unique characteristics of the subjects being compared.

More Information

In logic and philosophy, the idea of analogy has been fundamental to reasoning. Analogies are often used to simplify complex ideas or to create new insights by drawing comparisons between seemingly unrelated concepts. The word "analogous" itself has broad applications across fields such as mathematics, linguistics, and biology. In modern science, for example, the concept of analogous structures is used to describe features that arise independently in different species due to similar environmental pressures, rather than shared ancestry. As such, the concept remains a powerful tool for understanding relationships in the natural world and in human thought.