WordValeanalogous
comparable in certain respects
comparable in certain respects
In more detail
1. (adjective) similar in some way, or able to be compared in some way
2. (adjective) having the same function but different origin or structure (used in biology)
Examples
- 1. The situation in their country is analogous to what we experienced ten years ago.
- 2. The bird's wing is analogous to the bat's wing, even though they evolved differently.
How to use analogous
Analogous is used when drawing comparisons between things that share some significant likeness, though they may differ in other respects. In formal or technical writing, it often introduces structured comparisons in logic, law, or science. It is more precise and academic than the casual similar, and it frequently appears in the construction 'analogous to' rather than 'analogous with'.
Common phrases
- analogous to
- analogous situation
- analogous case
- analogous structures
- strictly analogous
Synonyms
comparable · similar · parallel · equivalent · correspondent
Opposites
dissimilar · different · unrelated
Word family
analogy · analogously · analogousness
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse analogous with homologous (which refers to structures shared because of common evolutionary descent); analogous structures have independent origins but serve similar functions.
Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.
Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD