analogous

American  

[uh-nal-uh-guhs] / əˈnæl ə gəs /

adjective

1. having analogy; corresponding in some particular.

   A brain and a computer are analogous.

   Synonyms:

   akin, comparable, like, alike, similar

   Antonyms:

   dissimilar

2. Biology. corresponding in function, but not evolved from corresponding organs, as the wings of a bee and those of a hummingbird.

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analogous British  

/ əˈnæləɡəs /

adjective

1. similar or corresponding in some respect

2. biology (of organs and parts) having the same function but different evolutionary origin Compare homologous

   the paddle of a whale and the fin of a fish are analogous

3. linguistics formed by analogy

   an analogous plural

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analogous Scientific  

/ ə-năl′ə-gəs /

1. Similar in function but having different evolutionary origins, as the wings of a butterfly and the wings of a bird.

2. Similar in chemical properties and differing in chemical structure only with respect to one element or group.

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Usage

The use of with after analogous should be avoided: swimming has no event that is analogous to (not with ) the 100 metres in athletics

Other Word Forms

• analogously adverb
• analogousness noun
• nonanalogous adjective
• nonanalogously adverb
• nonanalogousness noun
• unanalogous adjective
• unanalogously adverb
• unanalogousness noun

Etymology

Origin of analogous

First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin analogus, from Greek análogos “proportionate,” equivalent to ana- ana- + lógos “ratio”

Example Sentences

Some readers imagine Kafka’s protagonist, Gregor Samsa, a hardworking salesman in a city that seems analogous to Kafka’s native Prague, has morphed into a cockroach.

From The Wall Street Journal

This would be analogous to having one arm tied behind your back.

From Los Angeles Times

As a result, Hassett said, “Ultimately, the question about Kevin being at the Fed or not will be an analogous decision: Is the best place for me at NEC or at the Fed?”

From The Wall Street Journal

“I think that, ultimately, the question about Kevin being at the Fed or not will be an analogous decision. Is the best place for me at NEC or at the Fed?”

From The Wall Street Journal

Something analogous happens in James Fox’s “Craftland,” which is devoted to the many traditional trades and occupations that have long created the material civilization of Britain.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• akin
• comparable
• corresponding
• related