analogous
analogous
Pronunciation
Absolutely! Here's the IPA phonetic spelling for "analogous" broken down by syllable:
əˈnæl.ə.ɡəs (for most American and British dialects)
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
əˈna (first syllable):
ə - Schwa (unstressed central vowel sound, like the "uh" in "but")
n - Alveolar nasal (same as the "n" in "no")
æ - Near-open front unrounded vowel (like the "a" in "cat")
ˈlæ (second syllable):
ˈ - Primary stress on the preceding syllable
l - Alveolar lateral approximant (same as the "l" in "like")
æ - Near-open front unrounded vowel (same as the "a" in "cat")
ə.ɡəs (third syllable):
ə - Schwa (unstressed central vowel sound, like the "uh" in "but")
ɡ - Voiced velar plosive (same as the "g" in "go")
ə - Schwa (unstressed central vowel sound, like the "uh" in "but")
s - Alveolar fricative (same as the "s" in "sip")
Word Form Variations
"Analogous" itself doesn't have variations based on singular or plural. It functions as an adjective and describes something, so it won't change form regardless of how many things it describes.
However, there are related word forms in the "analogy" family:
Derived forms:
analogical (adjective): relating to or based on analogy
analogously (adverb): in a way that is analogous
analogist (noun): a person who studies or uses analogies
Less common:
analogy (noun): a comparison between two things that are alike in some way
analogize (verb): to explain something by using an analogy
nonanalogous (adjective): not analogous; having no similarity (These last three are less frequently used variations)
Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Adjective:
Definition: Having a similar function or purpose, but not necessarily the same form or origin.
Synonyms: comparable, correspondent, similar, akin, parallel
Antonyms: dissimilar, incongruous, incompatible
Examples:
The heart of a human and the pump of a car are analogous in that they both circulate fluids. (Here, both organs have a similar function but are vastly different in structure and origin.)
The mayor's role in a city is analogous to the captain's role on a ship. (Here, both positions have similar leadership functions within their respective contexts.)
Derived Words:
Analogical (adjective):
Definition: Of, relating to, or based on analogy.
Synonyms: analogistic (less common)
Antonyms: non-analogical (less common)
Analogously (adverb):
Definition: In a way that is analogous; similarly in function.
Synonyms: correspondingly, comparably, similarly
Antonyms: dissimilarly, incongruously
Less Common:
Analogy (noun): A comparison between two things that are alike in some way, especially to explain a new thing by reference to something familiar. (This usage is less common with "analogous" itself, which focuses on the adjective description.)
Analogize (verb): To explain something by using an analogy. (This verb form is less frequent than using "analogous" as an adjective.)
Nonanalogous (adjective): Not analogous; having no similarity. (This antonym is less frequently used than "dissimilar.")
Examples of Use
Science/Technology:
Book: "The wing of a bird is analogous to the fin of a fish, both serving as appendages for movement through their respective mediums" (hypothetical biology textbook).
2. Literature:
Poem: "The ticking clock is analogous to the relentless march of time" (excerpt from a student's creative writing assignment).
3. News Media:
Newspaper Article: "The recent discovery of a social hierarchy in chimpanzees is analogous to the complex social structures observed in human societies" (The New York Times).
4. Entertainment Media:
Movie Dialogue: "Think of the Death Star as a giant, planet-destroying weapon analogous to a mediaeval battering ram used to breach castle walls" (quote from a Star Wars movie).
5. Public Discourse:
Social Media Post: "Learning a new language is analogous to unlocking a hidden door, revealing a whole new world of communication" (Twitter post about language learning).
6. Business/Education:
Management Training Presentation: "Setting clear goals for your team is analogous to providing a roadmap for a successful journey" (management training presentation slide).
10 Famous Quotes Using the term Analogous
While there aren't ten super famous quotes that directly use "analogous," the concept of analogy features prominently in many famous sayings. Here's a list of ten quotes that touch on the idea of analogy:
"A mathematician is a person who can find analogies between theorems; a better mathematician is one who can see analogies between proofs and the best mathematician can notice analogies between theories." - George Pólya (mathematician) [This quote highlights the importance of analogy in mathematical discovery]
"Analogy proves nothing; but then analogy suggests everything." - Samuel Taylor Coleridge (poet) [This quote captures the power of analogy to spark ideas even if it doesn't provide definitive proof]
"The function of criticism should be to show how it is what it is, even that it is what it is, rather than to show what it means. Analogy is a good servant but a bad master." - T. S. Eliot (poet) [This quote emphasises the role of analogy as a tool for understanding, but warns against relying on it too heavily]
"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." - Albert Einstein (scientist) [This is a classic example of a simile, a type of analogy that uses "like" or "as" to compare two things]
"All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." - Leo Tolstoy (writer) [This famous line from Anna Karenina uses a contrast to highlight the unique nature of unhappiness]
"The human mind is not a computer; it is an organ that reasons by analogy." - Douglas Hofstadter (computer scientist) [This quote emphasises the way our minds use analogies to understand the world]
"The brain is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets." - Loretta Graziano Breuning (neuroscientist) [Another simile, comparing the brain to a muscle to explain its ability to learn and grow]
"The mind is like a parachute; it only functions when open." - Alfred Whitehead (philosopher) [This metaphor uses analogy to highlight the importance of openness to new ideas]
"A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." - John A. Shedd (businessman) [This metaphor uses contrasting situations to emphasise the value of taking risks and exploring]
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Lao Tzu (philosopher) [This proverb uses an analogy of a long journey to emphasise the importance of starting, even with small steps]
Etymology
The word "analogous" is like a family tree with roots in ancient Greek. Here's the breakdown in simple terms:
Origin: The word comes from the ancient Greek word "analogos," which means "proportionate" or "according to a due proportion."
Breakdown: "Analogos" is made of two smaller parts:
"Ana" - meaning "throughout" or "according to" (think of "analysis" where "ana" means "to break down thoroughly").
"Logos" - meaning "ratio," "proportion," or "word" (like "logic" where "logos" refers to reasoning based on a clear connection between ideas).
First Use: The word "analogous" first showed up in English around the 1640s. Back then, it meant something was similar or corresponded to something else in some specific way.
So, "analogous" basically means things are similar in function or purpose, even if they aren't exactly the same in form or origin. It's like comparing apples and oranges – they're both fruit, but very different!
Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Analogous
There aren't many common phrases or idioms that directly use "analogous." However, the concept of analogy is often used in these expressions:
Draw an analogy: This means to compare two things to explain one in terms of the other.
Hold an analogy: This means that two things are similar in a particular way. (Less common)
False analogy: This refers to a comparison that is misleading or inaccurate.
Here are some alternatives that capture a similar meaning to "analogous":
Like comparing apples and oranges: This idiom highlights the fact that things might be broadly similar but have key differences.
A metaphor for: This describes something that is used to represent or illustrate something else, often in a non-literal way.
A parallel can be drawn between: This emphasises the existence of a similarity between two things, often in their function or situation.
Posts Related to Analogous
Source Information
Definition of analogous from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.