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A2 adjective #592 le plus courant 16 min de lecture

analogous

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At the A1 level, 'analogous' is a very advanced word that you probably won't use often. However, you can understand it by thinking about the word 'like'. When we say one thing is like another thing, we are making a simple comparison. For example, 'A red apple is like a red ball.' They are both red and round. 'Analogous' is just a much bigger, more professional word for this idea. If you want to say two things are similar in a special way, you can use 'analogous to'. Imagine you are explaining a new game to a friend. You could say, 'This game is analogous to soccer,' which means it is played in a similar way. Even though you are just starting to learn English, knowing that big words like 'analogous' exist to help explain things can be very helpful. Just remember: A is analogous to B means A is like B in some way. It is a word that helps people understand new ideas by comparing them to things they already know. You might see it in books or hear it on the news when people are talking about important topics. For now, just think of it as a fancy way to say 'similar to'.

At the A2 level, you are starting to use more descriptive language. 'Analogous' is a word you can use when you want to explain something complex by comparing it to something simple. It means 'similar in a way that helps you understand'. For example, if you are learning about how a heart works, a teacher might say, 'The heart is analogous to a pump.' This helps you visualize the heart pushing blood, just like a pump pushes water. You use the phrase 'analogous to' followed by the thing you are comparing it to. It is very common in science and school subjects. Instead of just saying 'it is like', using 'analogous' shows that you are thinking about how things work, not just how they look. You might use it when talking about your job, your hobbies, or your studies. For instance, 'Learning a language is analogous to building a house; you need a strong foundation first.' This makes your English sound more professional and clear. It is a great word to have in your vocabulary for when you need to make a strong, logical comparison between two different things.

As a B1 learner, you are moving into more abstract topics, and 'analogous' is a perfect word for this stage. It describes a relationship where two different things share a similar function or structure. It is more precise than 'similar' because it implies a logical parallel. When you use 'analogous', you are telling your listener that there is a reason for the comparison. For example, in a business meeting, you might say, 'The way we handle customer complaints is analogous to a triage system in a hospital.' This explains that you prioritize the most urgent problems first. The word is almost always followed by the preposition 'to'. It is very useful for giving presentations or writing essays where you need to clarify difficult concepts. You will often hear it in documentaries or read it in news articles that explain complex global issues. It helps you bridge the gap between a familiar concept and a new one. By using 'analogous', you demonstrate a higher level of critical thinking and a more nuanced command of English vocabulary. It allows you to move beyond surface-level descriptions and into the realm of functional analysis.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'analogous' in both academic and professional contexts. This word is essential for reasoning by analogy—a key skill in advanced communication. It signifies that while two entities are different in nature, they correspond in function or position. For instance, in a legal discussion, you might argue that a specific digital privacy issue is analogous to traditional laws regarding physical mail. This suggests that the same legal principles should apply to both. 'Analogous' is a high-register word that adds intellectual weight to your arguments. You should also be aware of its scientific usage, particularly in biology, where it refers to structures that evolved independently but serve the same purpose, such as the wings of insects and birds. Using 'analogous' correctly requires you to identify the underlying 'logic' of the comparison. It is often modified by adverbs like 'strictly', 'roughly', or 'partially' to indicate the degree of similarity. Mastering this word will help you participate in more complex debates and write more persuasive, analytical texts. It is a hallmark of a sophisticated speaker who can draw meaningful parallels across different domains.

For C1 learners, 'analogous' is a versatile tool for precise conceptual mapping. It is used to describe a relationship of proportionality or structural identity between two different systems. At this level, you should be able to use it to navigate highly abstract or technical discussions. For example, in philosophy or cognitive science, you might discuss whether the human mind is analogous to a computer's operating system. This involves not just a simple comparison, but a detailed analysis of how both systems process, store, and retrieve information. You should also be able to distinguish 'analogous' from related terms like 'homologous', 'equivalent', or 'commensurate'. The word is frequently used in the social sciences to draw parallels between historical events or social structures. For instance, one might analyze whether the current geopolitical landscape is analogous to the pre-World War I era. Using 'analogous' allows you to synthesize information from diverse fields and present it in a coherent, comparative framework. It is a word that facilitates deep insight and helps you articulate the shared principles that govern seemingly unrelated phenomena. Your use of the word should reflect a deep understanding of the 'logos' or logic that connects the two subjects.

At the C2 level, 'analogous' is used with total precision to delineate complex relationships in highly specialized or academic discourse. You understand that an analogy is not merely a similarity but a formal correspondence between two sets of relations. In this context, 'analogous' is used to apply the logic of a known system to a novel or theoretical one. For example, in theoretical physics, researchers might look for mathematical structures that are analogous to known phenomena to predict the behavior of subatomic particles. You are also capable of using the word to critique false comparisons, identifying where a proposed analogy fails to hold up under rigorous scrutiny. The word is a staple of high-level rhetoric, used to construct sophisticated metaphors and logical proofs. You might use it in a sentence like, 'The structural integrity of the social contract is analogous to the tension in a suspension bridge, where the opposing forces of individual liberty and collective security must be perfectly balanced.' At this level, your use of 'analogous' contributes to a highly nuanced and authoritative voice. It allows you to engage in the highest levels of intellectual inquiry, where the ability to perceive and articulate structural parallels is fundamental to the advancement of knowledge.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

analogous en 30 secondes

Analogous is an adjective used to show that two different things are similar in how they work or how they are organized.
It is a formal word often found in science, law, and academic writing to create clear comparisons between complex and simple ideas.
The word is almost always used with the preposition 'to', as in 'Thing A is analogous to Thing B'.
Unlike 'identical', analogous implies that the things are different in nature but share a common logic, function, or structural parallel.

The word analogous is a sophisticated adjective used to describe a relationship between two things that are similar in a specific way, even if they are fundamentally different in other aspects. When we say something is analogous to another, we are highlighting a functional or structural similarity that helps us understand one of the items better. This is not just about being 'the same'; it is about having a shared logic or a parallel role within their respective systems. For example, if you are trying to explain how a computer's central processing unit works to a child, you might say it is analogous to a human brain. While a silicon chip and biological tissue are entirely different materials, they both serve the function of processing information and making decisions for the larger body or machine.

Functional Similarity: This refers to things that do the same job but are made of different parts. A bird's wing and a plane's wing are analogous because they both provide lift, despite one being made of bone and feathers and the other of aluminum.

The relationship between a captain and their ship is analogous to the relationship between a CEO and their company.

People use this word most frequently in academic, scientific, and professional contexts where precise comparison is necessary. It allows a speaker to bridge the gap between a known concept and an unknown one. In biology, for instance, researchers look for analogous structures in different species to understand how evolution solves similar problems in different environments. In law, a lawyer might argue that a new case is analogous to a previous ruling, suggesting that the same legal logic should apply. It is a tool for reasoning by comparison, allowing us to export our understanding of one domain into another. Using this word signals that you are looking beyond surface-level appearances to the deeper mechanics of how things operate.

Structural Parallelism: This involves comparing the way things are organized. The layers of the Earth are often described as analogous to the layers of an onion, helping students visualize the internal structure of the planet.

The way a virus spreads through a computer network is analogous to the way a biological flu spreads through a community.

In everyday conversation, you might use 'analogous' when you want to elevate your speech or when a simple 'like' doesn't quite capture the depth of the comparison. It suggests a thoughtful analysis rather than a casual observation. If you say two situations are 'similar', you might just mean they look alike. If you say they are 'analogous', you are implying that the underlying principles governing them are the same. This makes it a powerful word for teachers, engineers, and philosophers who must explain complex systems by referencing simpler, more familiar ones. It is about finding the 'logic' (the -logous part of the word) that is 'up' or 'according to' (the ana- part) another thing.

The internet's role in modern society is analogous to the role of the nervous system in the human body.

Conceptual Mapping: This is the mental process of taking what we know about one thing and applying it to another. Analogous reasoning is a cornerstone of human intelligence and creative problem-solving.

Some philosophers argue that the mind is analogous to a blank slate at birth, waiting to be written upon by experience.

The current housing market crisis is analogous to the bubble we saw in the early 2000s.

Ultimately, 'analogous' is a word that helps us build bridges of understanding. It acknowledges that while no two things are identical, many things share a common rhythm, purpose, or design. By identifying these analogous relationships, we can navigate a complex world using the maps we have already drawn for simpler territories. Whether you are discussing the flow of electricity (analogous to water in pipes) or the structure of an atom (analogous to a miniature solar system), this word provides the linguistic framework for deep, comparative insight.

Using 'analogous' correctly requires understanding its grammatical placement and the specific preposition it pairs with. It is almost always followed by 'to'. The structure is typically: [Subject A] + [Verb] + 'analogous to' + [Subject B]. This establishes a clear link where Subject A is being explained or clarified by its similarity to Subject B. It is important to ensure that the two things being compared actually share a logical connection, as using 'analogous' for a superficial similarity can sound pretentious or inaccurate. The word functions as a bridge, so the 'to' is the essential connector that completes the thought.

Scientific Contexts: In science, it describes traits that serve the same function but evolved separately. Example: 'The wings of a butterfly are analogous to the wings of a bat.'

Researchers found that the social structure of the ant colony was analogous to a highly efficient corporation.

In professional writing, 'analogous' is used to draw parallels between different business models or economic trends. It adds a layer of intellectual rigor to your analysis. Instead of saying 'this is like that,' saying 'this is analogous to that' suggests you have analyzed the underlying mechanics. You can also use it in the negative sense: 'not analogous to.' This is useful for debunking false comparisons. For instance, 'The current economic downturn is not analogous to the Great Depression because our banking regulations are much stronger today.' This clarifies that while there may be surface similarities, the fundamental structures are different.

Legal and Logical Use: Lawyers use it to apply precedents. Example: 'The judge ruled that the digital privacy case was analogous to traditional mail privacy laws.'

The way the software handles data is analogous to how a librarian organizes books on a shelf.

In educational settings, 'analogous' is a favorite for teachers who use scaffolding. Scaffolding is the process of building on what a student already knows. By presenting a new, difficult concept as analogous to a simple, familiar one, the teacher makes the information more digestible. For example, 'Think of the cell membrane as analogous to a security guard; it decides who gets in and who stays out.' This use of the word facilitates the transfer of knowledge. It is also common in technical manuals where complex circuitry might be described as analogous to a plumbing system to help technicians visualize the flow of current.

The development of the steam engine was analogous to the later development of the internal combustion engine in terms of social impact.

Adverbial Modification: Using adverbs helps specify the degree of similarity. Example: 'The two situations are only roughly analogous, as the cultural factors differ significantly.'

The brain's neural pathways are often considered analogous to the electrical wiring in a house.

Is the role of the monarch in a modern democracy analogous to that of a purely ceremonial figurehead?

To master 'analogous', practice identifying the 'core logic' of a situation. When you see two things that work the same way but look different, that is your opportunity to use the word. It is a word that rewards precision. Whether you are writing a thesis, giving a presentation, or explaining a complex hobby to a friend, 'analogous' provides the perfect linguistic tool to make your comparisons clear, professional, and intellectually sound.

You are most likely to encounter 'analogous' in environments where ideas are being dissected, explained, or debated. This includes university lecture halls, scientific journals, legal proceedings, and high-level business meetings. In a biology lecture, a professor might explain that the fins of a fish and the flippers of a whale are analogous structures—they look and act similarly because they both help the animal swim, but they come from different evolutionary origins. This distinction is crucial in science, and 'analogous' is the precise term used to describe it. Hearing this word in such a setting indicates a focus on 'convergent evolution' or functional design.

Academic Lectures: Professors use it to link new theories to established ones. Example: 'The way light behaves as both a wave and a particle is analogous to how a coin has two distinct sides.'

In the courtroom, the attorney argued that the defendant's actions were analogous to a well-known case from 1984.

In the world of technology and software development, 'analogous' is frequently used during the design phase. UX (User Experience) designers often look for real-world processes that are analogous to digital tasks. For example, the 'trash can' icon on your computer is analogous to a physical wastebasket. Hearing this word in a tech office often means the team is trying to make a digital interface more intuitive by mimicking a physical-world action. It is also common in financial news. An analyst on CNBC might say that the current rise in cryptocurrency prices is analogous to the 'dot-com' bubble of the late 1990s, warning investors of a potential crash based on historical parallels.

News and Media: Journalists use it to provide context for complex global events. Example: 'The geopolitical tension in the region is analogous to the Cold War era.'

The architect explained that the building's support structure was analogous to the human skeletal system.

You will also find 'analogous' in literature and art criticism. A critic might say that a character's journey in a modern novel is analogous to the trials of Odysseus in the 'Odyssey'. This helps the reader or viewer see the timeless themes being explored. In the workplace, during a performance review, a manager might say, 'Your role in this project was analogous to a conductor in an orchestra—you didn't play every instrument, but you ensured everyone was in sync.' This use of the word provides a clear, metaphorical image of the employee's value. It is a word that turns abstract concepts into concrete, relatable images.

The way the ecosystem recovers after a fire is analogous to the way a wound heals on the skin.

Business Strategy: Strategic planners use it to find solutions from other industries. Example: 'Our customer service model is analogous to the hospitality found in five-star hotels.'

The coach told the team that their defensive strategy was analogous to a fortress that cannot be breached.

Is the growth of a startup analogous to the growth of a biological organism?

In summary, 'analogous' is a staple of intellectual discourse. It is the word of choice for anyone trying to explain the 'how' and 'why' of a system by looking at its parallels elsewhere. Whether in a lab, a courtroom, or a boardroom, hearing 'analogous' is a signal that a deep, structural comparison is being made to illuminate a difficult subject.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 'analogous' is confusing it with 'identical' or 'same'. If two things are analogous, they are specifically *not* the same thing; they simply share a similar relationship or function. For example, a heart is analogous to a pump, but a heart is not a pump. If you use 'analogous' to describe two things that are actually identical, you are misusing the word. Another common error is using the wrong preposition. While you might occasionally see 'analogous with' in older texts or certain dialects, 'analogous to' is the standard in modern English. Using 'with' can sometimes sound awkward or incorrect to native speakers.

The 'Same' Trap: Mistake: 'The two cars are analogous because they are both red.' Correction: This is just a similarity. Analogous implies a deeper functional parallel, like 'The car's engine is analogous to a horse pulling a carriage.'

Incorrect: His situation is analogous with mine. Correct: His situation is analogous to mine.

Another mistake is using 'analogous' when 'similar' would be more appropriate. 'Analogous' is a high-register, academic word. Using it in a very casual setting—like saying 'This pizza is analogous to the one I had yesterday'—can sound 'over the top' or even sarcastic. It is best reserved for situations where there is a clear, logical parallel to be drawn. Furthermore, people often confuse 'analogous' with 'analogue' (or 'analog'). While they share the same root, 'analogue' usually refers to a type of technology (like an analogue clock vs. a digital one) or a person/thing that is seen as a comparable version of another. 'Analogous' is strictly the adjective describing the relationship.

Preposition Errors: Learners often use 'as' after analogous. Mistake: 'This is analogous as that.' Correction: 'This is analogous to that.'

Incorrect: The two results are analogous of each other. Correct: The two results are analogous to each other.

A subtle mistake is failing to specify *how* things are analogous. Because the word implies a specific point of comparison, just saying 'A is analogous to B' without further explanation can leave the listener confused. It is always better to provide the context. For example, instead of just saying 'A brain is analogous to a computer,' say 'A brain is analogous to a computer *in the way it processes information*.' This makes your comparison much more effective. Lastly, avoid using 'analogous' to describe things that are only related by chance. There must be a structural or functional reason for the comparison for the word to be used correctly.

Mistake: 'The rain is analogous to my sadness.' (This is a metaphor, not necessarily a functional analogy).

Confusion with 'Analysis': While they sound similar and both involve deep thinking, 'analysis' is the process of breaking something down, while 'analogous' is about building a bridge between two things.

Incorrect: I will analogous the data. Correct: I will analyze the data to see if it is analogous to previous findings.

Incorrect: The two events were analogous in time. Correct: The two events were simultaneous; they were not necessarily analogous.

By avoiding these common pitfalls—confusing it with 'same', using the wrong preposition, or applying it to purely metaphorical or casual situations—you can use 'analogous' with the precision and authority it was meant to convey. It is a word that demands a clear understanding of the relationship between the things you are comparing.

When you want to describe a relationship of similarity, 'analogous' is just one of several options. Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the specific type of similarity you are highlighting. The most common alternative is 'similar', which is broad and can be used in almost any context. However, 'similar' lacks the structural and functional depth that 'analogous' implies. If you say two things are 'similar', they might just look alike. If you say they are 'analogous', you are suggesting they *work* the same way. Another close relative is 'comparable', which suggests that two things are in the same league or can be judged by the same standards.

Analogous vs. Similar: 'Similar' is for general likeness. 'Analogous' is for functional or structural parallels. Example: 'The two shirts are similar (color/style), but the engine's cooling system is analogous to the human sweat response (function).'

The situation in the new market is comparable to what we faced last year, but not strictly analogous.

'Parallel' is another excellent alternative, often used to describe events or developments that happen in a similar way at the same time. While 'analogous' focuses on the relationship between the things, 'parallel' focuses on the path they take. For example, 'The rise of the internet had a parallel impact on society to the invention of the printing press.' Then there is 'akin to', which is a slightly more poetic or literary way of saying 'similar to' or 'of the same kind'. It often implies a family relationship or a shared essence. 'Equivalent' is a stronger word, suggesting that two things are equal in value, function, or meaning, whereas 'analogous' only suggests they are *like* each other in a specific way.

Analogous vs. Equivalent: 'Equivalent' means they have the same value. 'Analogous' means they have a similar relationship. Example: 'Five dollars is equivalent to 500 cents, but a battery is analogous to a water tank.'

His style of leadership is akin to that of a traditional mentor rather than a modern manager.

In more technical or biological contexts, you might hear 'homologous'. This is often confused with 'analogous', but they have opposite meanings in evolutionary biology. 'Homologous' structures share a common ancestry but may have different functions (like a human arm and a bat's wing). 'Analogous' structures share a common function but have different ancestries (like a bat's wing and a butterfly's wing). Understanding this distinction is key for students of science. For everyday use, 'corresponding' is a great word when you want to show how parts of one system match parts of another. 'The CEO is the corresponding figure to the President in a corporate structure.'

The wings of a bird and the wings of an insect are analogous, but they are not homologous.

Analogous vs. Corresponding: 'Corresponding' implies a direct mapping. 'Analogous' implies a broader functional similarity. Example: 'The keys on a piano correspond to specific notes, while the pedals are analogous to the volume knob on a radio.'

The two historical periods are parallel in their social upheaval, though the causes are different.

Is the current tech boom comparable to the Industrial Revolution?

Choosing the right synonym allows you to fine-tune your message. Whether you need the broad brush of 'similar', the directness of 'equivalent', the evolutionary precision of 'homologous', or the structural depth of 'analogous', having these alternatives at your disposal will make you a more effective and nuanced communicator.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The word entered English in the mid-17th century. Before it became a general word for 'similar', it was primarily used by mathematicians and logicians to describe formal relationships between numbers and ideas.

Guide de prononciation

UK /əˈnæl.ə.ɡəs/

US /əˈnæl.ə.ɡəs/

The primary stress is on the second syllable: a-NAL-o-gous.

Rime avec

isologous homologous autologous heterologous paralogous orthologous mythologous anthologous

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'g' as a 'j' sound (like 'analog-jus'). It should be a hard 'g'.
Stressing the first syllable (AN-a-logous).
Confusing it with the word 'analysis' and saying 'anal-y-gous'.
Mispunctuating the 'o-gous' ending as 'o-gus'.
Skipping the third syllable 'o' and saying 'a-nal-gus'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 4/5

Common in academic texts but requires understanding of context.

Écriture 5/5

Requires precise use of prepositions and logical comparison.

Expression orale 5/5

Sounds very formal; might feel 'heavy' in casual talk.

Écoute 4/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'analogy'.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

similar compare like example logic

Apprends ensuite

homologous proportional precedent metaphorical correlative

Avancé

isomorphism commensurability paradigm heuristic synecdoche

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective + Preposition 'To'

Analogous to (not with/as).

Comparative Adjectives

More analogous / Most analogous.

Adverbial Modification

Closely analogous, strictly analogous.

Negative Construction

Not analogous to.

Linking Verbs

The situation *seems* analogous to...

Exemples par niveau

A big plane is analogous to a bus in the sky.

Un gros avion est analogue à un bus dans le ciel.

Simple comparison using 'is analogous to'.

The sun is analogous to a giant light bulb.

Le soleil est analogue à une ampoule géante.

Using 'analogous' to explain a natural object.

A computer mouse is analogous to a real mouse because it is small.

Une souris d'ordinateur est analogue à une vraie souris parce qu'elle est petite.

Explaining the name of an object through analogy.

Your heart is analogous to a pump for your blood.

Votre cœur est analogue à une pompe pour votre sang.

Functional comparison for beginners.

A library is analogous to a big box of stories.

Une bibliothèque est analogue à une grande boîte d'histoires.

Simple metaphoric analogy.

The teacher said the atom is analogous to a tiny solar system.

Le professeur a dit que l'atome est analogue à un minuscule système solaire.

Academic analogy simplified for A1.

A camera is analogous to a human eye.

Un appareil photo est analogue à un œil humain.

Direct functional comparison.

This new game is analogous to the game we played yesterday.

Ce nouveau jeu est analogue au jeu auquel nous avons joué hier.

Comparing two familiar activities.

The brain is analogous to a computer because it stores information.

Le cerveau est analogue à un ordinateur car il stocke des informations.

Using 'because' to explain the reason for the analogy.

The wings of a bird are analogous to the wings of an airplane.

Les ailes d'un oiseau sont analogues aux ailes d'un avion.

Comparing biological and mechanical structures.

The role of a mother is analogous to the role of a teacher.

Le rôle d'une mère est analogue au rôle d'un enseignant.

Comparing social roles.

The internet is analogous to a giant web that connects everyone.

Internet est analogue à une toile géante qui connecte tout le monde.

Visual analogy for a complex system.

A battery is analogous to a tank that holds electricity.

Une pile est analogue à un réservoir qui contient de l'électricité.

Functional analogy for energy storage.

The roots of a tree are analogous to the foundation of a house.

Les racines d'un arbre sont analogues aux fondations d'une maison.

Structural comparison.

The skin of an orange is analogous to the bark of a tree.

La peau d'une orange est analogue à l'écorce d'un arbre.

Comparing protective layers.

A conductor in an orchestra is analogous to a coach of a sports team.

Un chef d'orchestre est analogue à un entraîneur d'une équipe sportive.

Comparing leadership roles.

The way a virus spreads in a computer is analogous to how a flu spreads in a school.

La façon dont un virus se propage dans un ordinateur est analogue à la façon dont une grippe se propage dans une école.

Comparing processes using 'the way... is analogous to how...'.

The company's hierarchy is analogous to the structure of a traditional army.

La hiérarchie de l'entreprise est analogue à la structure d'une armée traditionnelle.

Comparing organizational structures.

This new software update is analogous to a fresh coat of paint on an old house.

Cette nouvelle mise à jour logicielle est analogue à une nouvelle couche de peinture sur une vieille maison.

Using analogy to describe a superficial improvement.

The relationship between the two countries is analogous to a cold war.

La relation entre les deux pays est analogue à une guerre froide.

Political analogy.

The flow of traffic in the city is analogous to the flow of blood in the body.

Le flux de circulation dans la ville est analogue au flux sanguin dans le corps.

Comparing systems of movement.

The judge found the current case to be analogous to a famous trial from the past.

Le juge a estimé que l'affaire actuelle était analogue à un procès célèbre du passé.

Legal context for 'analogous'.

The layers of the Earth are analogous to the layers of an onion.

Les couches de la Terre sont analogues aux couches d'un oignon.

Scientific analogy for structure.

The role of the atmosphere is analogous to a protective blanket around the planet.

Le rôle de l'atmosphère est analogue à une couverture protectrice autour de la planète.

Functional analogy for protection.

The evolution of the smartphone is analogous to the rapid development of the personal computer.

L'évolution du smartphone est analogue au développement rapide de l'ordinateur personnel.

Comparing historical technological trends.

Critics argued that the film's plot was analogous to a classic Greek tragedy.

Les critiques ont soutenu que l'intrigue du film était analogue à une tragédie grecque classique.

Literary and artistic comparison.

The functioning of the ecosystem is analogous to a complex, self-regulating machine.

Le fonctionnement de l'écosystème est analogue à une machine complexe et autorégulée.

Scientific analogy for systems theory.

The social media platform's algorithm is analogous to a digital gatekeeper.

L'algorithme de la plateforme de médias sociaux est analogue à un gardien numérique.

Comparing technology to a human role.

The economic crisis in that region is not strictly analogous to the global recession.

La crise économique dans cette région n'est pas strictement analogue à la récession mondiale.

Using 'not strictly' to qualify the analogy.

The way neurons fire in the brain is analogous to electrical signals in a circuit.

La façon dont les neurones s'activent dans le cerveau est analogue aux signaux électriques dans un circuit.

Detailed scientific comparison.

The position of the prime minister is analogous to that of a president, but with key differences.

Le poste de premier ministre est analogue à celui de président, mais avec des différences clés.

Comparing political offices.

The growth of the city's suburbs is analogous to the spread of a biological organism.

La croissance des banlieues de la ville est analogue à la propagation d'un organisme biologique.

Comparing urban development to biology.

The researcher proposed that the cognitive processes of the octopus are analogous to those of vertebrates.

Le chercheur a suggéré que les processus cognitifs de la pieuvre sont analogues à ceux des vertébrés.

High-level scientific hypothesis.

The structural parallels between the two languages are analogous to their shared historical roots.

Les parallèles structurels entre les deux langues sont analogues à leurs racines historiques communes.

Linguistic and historical comparison.

The philosopher argued that the concept of 'justice' is analogous across different cultures, despite varying practices.

Le philosophe a soutenu que le concept de « justice » est analogue dans différentes cultures, malgré des pratiques variées.

Abstract philosophical argument.

The current geopolitical shift is roughly analogous to the realignment seen after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Le changement géopolitique actuel est à peu près analogue au réalignement observé après la chute du mur de Berlin.

Using 'roughly' to modify the degree of similarity.

The mechanism of gene editing is analogous to the 'find and replace' function in a word processor.

Le mécanisme d'édition génomique est analogue à la fonction « rechercher et remplacer » d'un traitement de texte.

Technical analogy for a complex process.

Is the role of a central bank analogous to that of a thermostat in a heating system?

Le rôle d'une banque centrale est-il analogue à celui d'un thermostat dans un système de chauffage ?

Economic analogy used in a question.

The author uses the lighthouse as an analogous symbol for the character's search for truth.

L'auteur utilise le phare comme un symbole analogue à la quête de vérité du personnage.

Literary analysis of symbolism.

The two mathematical models are analogous in their predictive power, though they use different variables.

Les deux modèles mathématiques sont analogues dans leur pouvoir prédictif, bien qu'ils utilisent des variables différentes.

Comparison of formal systems.

The ontological status of digital assets is increasingly seen as analogous to that of physical property.

Le statut ontologique des actifs numériques est de plus en plus considéré comme analogue à celui de la propriété physique.

Highly formal, philosophical and legal register.

The socio-economic stratification of the city is analogous to the geological strata found in the surrounding hills.

La stratification socio-économique de la ville est analogue aux strates géologiques trouvées dans les collines environnantes.

Sophisticated metaphorical and structural comparison.

The critics debated whether the artist's late work was analogous to the 'late style' identified by Edward Said.

Les critiques ont débattu pour savoir si l'œuvre tardive de l'artiste était analogue au « style tardif » identifié par Edward Said.

Reference to specific academic theories.

The neural architecture of the artificial intelligence is loosely analogous to the human prefrontal cortex.

L'architecture neuronale de l'intelligence artificielle est vaguement analogue au cortex préfrontal humain.

Precise scientific and technical comparison.

The collapse of the ancient civilization was analogous to a systemic failure in a modern power grid.

L'effondrement de la civilisation ancienne était analogue à une défaillance systémique dans un réseau électrique moderne.

Comparing historical and modern systems.

The relationship between the signifier and the signified is analogous to the two sides of a sheet of paper.

La relation entre le signifiant et le signifié est analogue aux deux faces d'une feuille de papier.

Linguistic and semiotic analogy.

The legal team argued that the case was not analogous to any existing precedent, necessitating a new judicial interpretation.

L'équipe juridique a soutenu que l'affaire n'était analogue à aucun précédent existant, nécessitant une nouvelle interprétation judiciaire.

Formal legal argument using negation.

The intricate dance of the subatomic particles is analogous to the celestial mechanics of distant galaxies.

La danse complexe des particules subatomiques est analogue à la mécanique céleste des galaxies lointaines.

Poetic yet scientific comparison across scales.

Synonymes

comparable similar parallel equivalent related alike

Antonymes

dissimilar different unrelated

Collocations courantes

analogous to

strictly analogous

roughly analogous

closely analogous

structurally analogous

functionally analogous

partially analogous

not analogous

analogous situation

analogous relationship

Phrases Courantes

in an analogous way

draw an analogous comparison

find an analogous example

analogous in function

analogous in structure

roughly analogous to

not entirely analogous

analogous to the case of

strictly analogous to

analogous features

Souvent confondu avec

analogous vs Analysis

Analysis is the act of breaking something down; analogous is the act of comparing it to something else.

analogous vs Analogue

Analogue usually refers to a type of technology (not digital) or a specific comparable thing.

analogous vs Homologous

Homologous means sharing an origin; analogous means sharing a function.

Expressions idiomatiques

"cut from the same cloth"

Very similar in character or nature, though not a direct synonym for 'analogous'.

The two politicians are cut from the same cloth.

informal

"two sides of the same coin"

Two things that are closely related or analogous but appear different.

Love and hate are often seen as two sides of the same coin.

neutral

"like apples and oranges"

Used to say that two things are NOT analogous and cannot be compared.

Comparing a car to a bicycle is like comparing apples and oranges.

informal

"a chip off the old block"

Someone who is analogous to their parent in character.

He's a chip off the old block, just as hardworking as his father.

informal

"birds of a feather"

People who are analogous in their interests or character.

They are birds of a feather, always discussing the same topics.

informal

"history repeats itself"

The idea that historical events are often analogous to past ones.

With this new conflict, it feels like history is repeating itself.

neutral

"spitting image"

Looking exactly like someone else (visual analogy).

She is the spitting image of her mother.

informal

"peas in a pod"

Two people or things that are very similar or analogous.

The two brothers are like two peas in a pod.

informal

"parallel lines"

Used to describe two things that are analogous but never meet or agree.

Their arguments were like parallel lines, never finding common ground.

neutral

"in the same boat"

Being in an analogous (usually difficult) situation.

We are all in the same boat during this economic downturn.

informal

Facile à confondre

analogous vs similar

Both mean 'like each other'.

Similar is general; analogous implies a functional or structural parallel.

The two twins are similar, but their roles in the family are analogous to a king and his advisor.

analogous vs equivalent

Both suggest a match.

Equivalent means equal in value; analogous means similar in relationship.

A dollar is equivalent to 100 cents, but a battery is analogous to a fuel tank.

analogous vs parallel

Both suggest things running along the same lines.

Parallel focuses on the path/development; analogous focuses on the internal logic.

Their careers followed parallel paths, but their management styles were analogous.

analogous vs comparable

Both mean they can be compared.

Comparable means they are in the same league; analogous means they share a specific logic.

The two athletes are comparable in skill, but their training is analogous to military drill.

analogous vs akin

Both mean 'like'.

Akin is more literary and suggests a shared essence or family link.

Pity is often akin to love, but a teacher's role is analogous to a guide.

Structures de phrases

A is analogous to B.

The heart is analogous to a pump.

The way A works is analogous to B.

The way a computer works is analogous to a brain.

Subject A is [adverb] analogous to Subject B.

This case is strictly analogous to the previous one.

Finding an analogous situation in [domain]...

Finding an analogous situation in history helps us understand today.

The [noun] of A is analogous to the [noun] of B.

The structural integrity of the bridge is analogous to the social contract.

It is analogous to...

It is analogous to riding a bike; you never forget.

While not identical, they are analogous.

While not identical, the two business models are analogous.

One might argue that A is analogous to B.

One might argue that the mind is analogous to a blank slate.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in academic and professional writing; less common in daily speech.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'analogous with'. → Using 'analogous to'.
While 'with' is occasionally seen, 'to' is the standard preposition for this adjective.
Using it for 'identical'. → Using it for 'similar in function'.
Analogous things are usually different in nature but share a parallel role.
Mispronouncing the 'g'. → Using a hard 'g' sound.
The 'g' should sound like 'go', not like 'giant'.
Using it in very casual talk. → Using 'like' or 'similar'.
'Analogous' can sound too formal or stiff in a casual conversation with friends.
Confusing it with 'analysis'. → Using it as an adjective for comparison.
Analysis is a noun (the process); analogous is an adjective (the relationship).

Astuces

Use with 'to'

Always remember that the correct preposition is 'to'. This is the most common mistake made by learners.

Great for Science

Use 'analogous' when explaining how something works in biology or physics by comparing it to an everyday object.

Elevate Your Essays

Replace 'is like' with 'is analogous to' in your academic writing to sound more professional and analytical.

Think of Function

Before using the word, ask yourself: 'Do these two things do the same job?' If yes, 'analogous' is likely the right word.

Learn the Family

Learn 'analogy' (noun) and 'analogous' (adjective) together to understand how to use the concept in different ways.

Avoid Overuse

Don't use 'analogous' for very simple similarities. Save it for when you are drawing a meaningful parallel.

Hard 'G'

Make sure to pronounce the 'g' clearly. It should sound like the 'g' in 'good', not the 'j' in 'judge'.

Contrast with Homologous

If you are a science student, remember: Analogous = Same Function. Homologous = Same Origin.

The 'Log' Rule

Remember that 'Log' stands for 'Logic'. Analogous things share the same logic.

Business Context

Use it in business to compare your company's growth or strategy to a successful model in another industry.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'ANA' and 'LOGOS'. ANA means 'again' or 'alongside', and LOGOS means 'logic'. So, 'analogous' means things that have the 'same logic alongside' each other.

Association visuelle

Imagine a bridge connecting two different islands. The islands are different, but the bridge shows they have a connection or a parallel path.

Word Web

Analogy Logic Similar Parallel Function Structure Comparison Ratio

Défi

Try to find three things in your room that are analogous to parts of a city. For example, is your trash can analogous to a landfill?

Origine du mot

The word comes from the Greek word 'analogos', which means 'proportionate' or 'according to a ratio'. It is formed from 'ana-' (meaning 'up' or 'according to') and 'logos' (meaning 'ratio', 'proportion', or 'reason').

Sens originel : In ancient Greek, it was used in mathematics to describe numbers that had the same ratio.

Indo-European (via Greek and Latin).

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using analogies for sensitive social or cultural issues, as a poorly chosen 'analogous' comparison can be seen as offensive or oversimplifying.

Used frequently in high-level journalism (like The Economist or The New York Times) to explain global trends.

William Paley's 'Watchmaker Analogy' (the universe is analogous to a complex watch). Plato's 'Allegory of the Cave' (the shadows are analogous to our limited perception of reality). The 'Computer Metaphor' in psychology (the mind is analogous to software).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Science Class

The structure is analogous to...
Functionally analogous...
Evolutionary analogous traits...
Analogous to the human...

Business Meeting

This market is analogous to...
An analogous strategy...
Drawing an analogous parallel...
In an analogous situation...

Law Court

Analogous to the precedent...
Not strictly analogous...
An analogous case...
The logic is analogous...

Tech Development

Analogous to a real-world...
The interface is analogous to...
Analogous data structures...
Roughly analogous to the old system...

Literature Analysis

The character is analogous to...
An analogous theme...
Analogous symbols...
The plot is analogous to...

Amorces de conversation

"Do you think the way a city grows is analogous to a living organism?"

"Can you think of a situation in your life that is analogous to a famous movie?"

"Is the role of a teacher analogous to that of a gardener or a sculptor?"

"In what ways is the internet analogous to a physical library?"

"Do you believe learning a new skill is analogous to climbing a mountain?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a difficult concept you learned recently. What simpler thing is it analogous to?

Think about your current job or studies. How is it analogous to a sport or a game?

Reflect on a historical event. Is there a current event that is analogous to it? Explain why.

If your personality were analogous to a type of weather, what would it be and why?

Write about a relationship in your life that is analogous to a famous duo from history or fiction.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, 'analogous' is a high-register, formal word. It is most commonly used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts. In casual conversation, people usually prefer 'similar' or 'like'.

While 'analogous with' is sometimes used, 'analogous to' is the standard and more widely accepted preposition in modern English. To be safe and correct, always use 'to'.

In biology, 'analogous' means things have the same function but different origins (like bird and insect wings). 'Homologous' means things have the same origin but might have different functions (like a human arm and a whale flipper).

It is pronounced a-NAL-o-gous. The stress is on the second syllable 'NAL'. The 'g' is a hard sound, like in 'gate'.

No. 'Identical' means exactly the same. 'Analogous' means similar in a specific way, usually in function or structure, but the things themselves are usually different.

Yes, you can use it to compare people's roles or situations. For example, 'His position in the company is analogous to mine.'

In art, analogous colors are those that are next to each other on the color wheel, like red, orange, and yellow. They share a similar 'logic' of hue.

Yes, the verb is 'analogize', which means to make an analogy or to show that things are analogous.

It is less common but possible if you are comparing the 'structure' of the feeling to something else. Usually, 'akin to' is better for feelings.

Yes, it can describe mathematical structures or ratios that correspond to each other in different systems.