analyze

[ an-l-ahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, an·a·lyzed, an·a·lyz·ing.

1. to separate (a material or abstract entity) into constituent parts or elements; determine the elements or essential features of ( synthesize ):

   to analyze an argument.

   Synonyms: break down.

   Antonyms: synthesize

2. to examine critically, so as to bring out the essential elements or give the essence of:

   to analyze a poem.

   Synonyms: explicate

3. to examine carefully and in detail so as to identify causes, key factors, possible results, etc.
4. to subject to mathematical, chemical, grammatical, etc., analysis.
5. to psychoanalyze:

   a patient who has been analyzed by two therapists.

6. psychoanalyze:

Other Words From

• an·a·lyz·a·ble adjective
• an·a·lyz·a·bil·i·ty [an-l-ahyz-, uh, -, bil, -i-tee], noun
• an·a·ly·za·tion [an-l-ahy-, zey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• mis·an·a·lyze verb (used with object) misanalyzed misanalyzing
• non·an·a·lyz·a·ble adjective
• non·an·a·lyzed adjective
• o·ver·an·a·lyze verb overanalyzed overanalyzing
• re·an·a·lyz·a·ble adjective
• re·an·a·lyze verb (used with object) reanalyzed reanalyzing
• un·an·a·lyz·a·ble adjective
• un·an·a·lyz·a·bly adverb
• un·an·a·lyzed adjective
• un·an·a·lyz·ing adjective
• well-an·a·lyzed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of analyze¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; back formation from analysis (or from its Latin or Greek sources), with -ys- taken as -ize

Example Sentences

The researchers will continue analyzing the circuit to determine whether drugs could activate it to slow breathing on command.

From Science Daily

Stallion-mediated breeding is the preferred method used in horses for several reasons, one being that it's much easier to analyze a stallion's fertility than a mare's.

From Science Daily

The authors released a heap of the seeds down an inclined plane while a camera recorded their descent to analyze their speed and the dynamics of their movement.

From Science Daily

Instead of studying cells in a lab dish, the scientists used advanced computer modeling to analyze how molecular networks inside ciliate and mammalian cells respond to different patterns of stimulation.

From Science Daily

While much of the analysis focused on the effects of single herbicides, the team also analyzed the combination of glyphosate and fomesafen.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• consider
• evaluate
• figure out
• inspect
• interpret
• investigate
• resolve
• scrutinize
• spell out
• study
• test