analogous

[ uh-nal-uh-guhs ]

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.

analogous

/ 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

analogous

/ 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.

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

Derived Forms

• aˈnalogousness, noun
• aˈnalogously, adverb

Other Words From

• a·nalo·gous·ly adverb
• a·nalo·gous·ness noun
• nona·nalo·gous adjective
• nona·nalo·gous·ly adverb
• nona·nalo·gous·ness noun
• una·nalo·gous adjective
• una·nalo·gous·ly adverb
• una·nalo·gous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of analogous¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of analogous¹

C17: from Latin analogus, from Greek analogos proportionate, from ana- + logos speech, ratio

Example Sentences

While it may seem like an odd coincidence for spacetime to follow an analogous engineering blueprint as the human body, Monjo argues this is perfectly logical.

From Salon

“This is analogous to permitting a shopping center,” said Lorelei Oviatt, Kern County’s director of planning and natural resources.

From Los Angeles Times

That’s analogous, he says, to what needs to happen with obesity.

From BBC

In the authors’ words, “at least part of the pangenome can be understood as a set of genes with relationships that govern their likely cohabitants, analogous to an ecosystem’s set of interacting organisms.”

From Salon

He was a meteorologist for NBC's Philadelphia affiliate until the 1980s and, analogous to the fictional tornado chasers in "Twisters," Schwartz chased hurricanes and other extreme storms in real life.

From Salon

Related Words

• akin
• comparable
• corresponding
• related