analogy
UK: əˈnælədʒi | US: əˈnælədʒi
n. a comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification
n. a correspondence or partial similarity between two things
n. (logic) a process of reasoning based on similarity
The word "analogy" originates from Greek analogia (ἀναλογία), combining ana- (meaning "according to" or "up") and -logia (from logos, meaning "word," "reason," or "ratio"). The term originally referred to mathematical proportionality before evolving to denote logical or linguistic comparisons. In Latin, analogia retained this dual sense, later entering English in the 15th century with a focus on reasoning by similarity. The morpheme -log persists in related words like "logic" and "dialogue," while ana- appears in terms like "analysis."
The teacher used an analogy between the human heart and a pump to explain its function.
Drawing an analogy between politics and chess can oversimplify complex dynamics.
In biology, the wings of bats and birds are often cited as an example of analogy, not homology.
His argument relied heavily on a flawed historical analogy.
The analogy "life is like a box of chocolates" emphasizes unpredictability.