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analogy

Noun

IPA /əˈnælədʒi/

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Meaning in plain English

A comparison that explains an unfamiliar idea by showing how it resembles something easier to understand.

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Pronunciation

analogy/əˈnælədʒi/

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Connect the ideas

Books arranged in a library
Files arranged in folders

An analogy can explain organised computer files by comparing them with a library.

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Examples in context

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He used a cooking analogy to explain how the new gadget works.
Our tutor used an analogy between a computer's memory and a notebook.

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He used a cooking ________ to explain how the new gadget works.

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analogy — A comparison that explains an unfamiliar idea by showing how it resembles something easier to understand.

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A comparison that explains an unfamiliar idea by showing how it resembles something easier to understand.

Compare: He used a cooking analogy to explain how the new gadget works.

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Word origin

From French and Latin analogia, ultimately from Greek words relating to proportion.

Did you know?

Draw an analogy between two things means explain their similarities.

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