1
Core quality
Similar or comparable in relevant respects, though not necessarily identical.
Example
The process is analogous to water flowing through a narrow pipe.
analogous
/əˈnæləɡəs/ · uh-NAL-uh-gusadjective
Similar or comparable in relevant respects, though not necessarily identical.
Use analogous to express this relationship precisely: similar or comparable in relevant respects, though not necessarily identical.
What analogous Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
The two legal cases are analogous but not identical.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
Researchers observed an analogous pattern in a second species.
Use analogous Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The process is analogous to water flowing through a narrow pipe.
The two legal cases are analogous but not identical.
Researchers observed an analogous pattern in a second species.
Precision Matters
Analogous overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
analogous
vs.Means similar or comparable in relevant respects, though not necessarily identical.
likewise
Means show that a similar statement, action, or relationship applies to another case.
analogous
vs.Means similar or comparable in relevant respects, though not necessarily identical.
similarly
Means show that a comparable pattern, action, or relationship applies in another case.
analogous
vs.Means similar or comparable in relevant respects, though not necessarily identical.
by the same token
Means for the same reason; applies parallel reasoning to a related case.
analogous
vs.Means similar or comparable in relevant respects, though not necessarily identical.
distinct from
Means clearly separate or different in identity, character, or category.
Test analogous in Context
The two cases are similar in the relevant function they perform.
1
The role of insulation in a building is ___ to that of fur in an animal: both reduce heat loss.