content analysis

American  

noun

1. analysis to determine the meaning, purpose, or effect of any type of communication, as literature, newspapers, or broadcasts, by studying and evaluating the details, innuendoes, and implications of the content, recurrent themes, etc.

---

Etymology

Origin of content analysis

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Instead of showing content from accounts that users already follow, the endless scroll of TikTok's "For You" page is based on viewing habits, engagement patterns and sophisticated content analysis.

From Barron's • Dec. 19, 2025

The subtle changes in tone that convey sarcasm often confuse computer algorithms as well, limiting virtual assistants and content analysis tools.

From Science Daily • May 16, 2024

I'm an ethnographic researcher, and I did months of research and interviews and content analysis of the news and information that people rely on.

From Salon • Aug. 21, 2022

Using the machine-learning algorithm, Cook and his colleagues conducted the largest content analysis of contrarian claims to date.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 9, 2021

Mr. Naisbitt’s research method, known as content analysis, derived from his reading of Bruce Catton’s Civil War histories, which relied heavily on reports from contemporary newspapers.

From Washington Post • Apr. 11, 2021