analysis
An analysis is a detailed study where you break something down into parts to understand it better.
Explanation at your level:
An analysis is when you look at something carefully to learn about it. Imagine you have a box of toys. If you take them out one by one to see what they are, that is a simple analysis. You are looking at the parts to understand the whole. It is a very important word for students and scientists.
When you do an analysis, you check information to understand a situation. For example, if you look at your test scores, you are doing an analysis of your progress. You look at what you did right and what you did wrong. It helps you get better at things.
An analysis is a detailed examination of something. We use it to solve problems or make decisions. For instance, a business might do an analysis of their sales to see which products are popular. It is a formal word, so you will see it in news articles, school reports, and office meetings.
The term analysis refers to the systematic breakdown of complex data. It is not just looking at things; it is evaluating them. When you perform an analysis, you are looking for patterns or trends that aren't immediately obvious. It requires patience and a logical approach to reach a conclusion.
In advanced contexts, analysis denotes a rigorous, critical investigation. It implies a high level of intellectual scrutiny. Whether it is a literary analysis of a poem or a financial analysis of market volatility, the goal is to deconstruct the subject matter to uncover underlying structures, biases, or causal relationships. It is the cornerstone of academic research.
At a mastery level, analysis is understood as the methodology of reductionism—the process of isolating variables to understand the totality of a system. It is deeply rooted in the scientific method and philosophical inquiry. To 'analyze' is to engage in a dialectical process where the observer separates the subject from its context to examine its constituent parts, eventually synthesizing that knowledge to form a more profound, holistic understanding. It is a sophisticated tool of the intellect used to navigate complexity in any field, from quantum physics to socio-political theory.
Mot en 30 secondes
- Analysis is a noun.
- It means breaking things into parts.
- The plural is analyses.
- Used in formal and professional settings.
Think of analysis as the process of taking a big, complicated thing and pulling it apart to see how it works. Whether you are looking at a science experiment, a business report, or why your favorite sports team lost, you are performing an analysis.
When we do an analysis, we don't just look at the surface. We dig deep. We look at the data, the facts, and the evidence. It is about moving from 'what happened' to 'why it happened.' It is a very useful skill for school, work, and life!
The word analysis has a fascinating history that takes us back to Ancient Greek. It comes from the Greek word analusis, which literally means 'a loosening up' or 'a releasing.' Imagine untying a knot to see how the rope is made; that is exactly what the ancient scholars meant.
It traveled through Medieval Latin as analysis before entering English in the 16th century. Originally, it was used mostly in mathematics and logic. Over time, it expanded into chemistry, psychology, and general business. It is a great example of how a word for 'untying' became the standard term for 'thinking deeply.'
You will hear analysis used most often in professional, academic, or technical settings. It sounds quite formal. If you are talking to a friend, you might say 'I looked into it,' but in a report, you would say 'I conducted an analysis.'
Commonly, we use it with verbs like conduct, perform, or provide. We often describe an analysis as thorough, detailed, or critical. If you are writing an essay, you might be asked to 'provide an analysis of the text,' which means you need to explain the author's choices.
While analysis itself isn't always in an idiom, it is at the heart of many expressions:
- Paralysis by analysis: When you think so much about a decision that you can't actually make it.
- In the final analysis: A formal way to say 'when everything is considered.'
- Break it down: A casual way to say 'perform an analysis.'
- Read between the lines: Looking for hidden meaning, which is a form of analysis.
- Get to the bottom of it: Finding the root cause through careful study.
The word analysis is a singular noun. Its plural form is unique: analyses (pronounced /əˈnæl.ə.siːz/). This is because it follows the Greek plural rule!
In terms of pronunciation, the stress is on the second syllable: uh-NAL-uh-sis. It rhymes with words like paralysis. Remember, the plural ends in a 'z' sound, while the singular ends in a soft 's' sound. It is a countable noun, so you can have 'one analysis' or 'several analyses.'
Fun Fact
It shares a root with 'paralysis', which means 'to loosen on the side'.
Pronunciation Guide
Uh-NAL-uh-sis
Uh-NAL-uh-sis
Common Errors
- pronouncing the 'y' as 'ee'
- stressing the first syllable
- incorrect plural pronunciation
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Common in academic texts
Requires formal tone
Used in professional settings
Common in news
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Avanc
Grammar to Know
Pluralization of Greek nouns
analysis -> analyses
Collocations
conduct an analysis
Article usage
an analysis
Examples by Level
I did an analysis of my toys.
I studied my toys.
Use 'an' before 'analysis'.
The analysis is easy.
The study is simple.
Subject-verb agreement.
He likes the analysis.
He enjoys the study.
Verb usage.
This is a good analysis.
This is a good study.
Article usage.
Show me the analysis.
Give me the study.
Imperative.
The analysis is long.
The study is big.
Adjective usage.
I need an analysis.
I need a study.
Need + noun.
Is the analysis done?
Is the study finished?
Question form.
The doctor's analysis was correct.
We need an analysis of the data.
His analysis of the game was interesting.
The report includes a detailed analysis.
She is good at data analysis.
The analysis took two hours.
Did you read the analysis?
My analysis shows a new trend.
The financial analysis was quite complex.
We conducted an analysis of the market.
His analysis of the book was very insightful.
The laboratory analysis confirmed the results.
We need a thorough analysis before we decide.
The analysis revealed several key problems.
She provided a brief analysis of the situation.
The software performs a quick analysis.
The political analysis was widely discussed in the media.
After a careful analysis, we found the error.
His analysis of the poem was truly profound.
The company's performance analysis was disappointing.
We are awaiting the results of the chemical analysis.
The report offers a critical analysis of the policy.
She is an expert in statistical analysis.
The analysis suggests a shift in consumer behavior.
The sociological analysis challenges our traditional views.
The author provides a scathing analysis of modern culture.
A rigorous analysis of the evidence is required.
The structural analysis of the bridge revealed cracks.
His analysis of the economic crisis was brilliant.
The study offers a comprehensive analysis of the issue.
We must perform a cost-benefit analysis first.
The analysis highlights the complexity of the problem.
The hermeneutic analysis of the text was fascinating.
The analysis of the subatomic particles was groundbreaking.
His analysis of the historical narrative was nuanced.
The psychoanalytic analysis delved deep into the subconscious.
The systemic analysis of the ecosystem is ongoing.
She presented a masterful analysis of the geopolitical landscape.
The analysis of the data set yielded surprising results.
The analysis serves as a cornerstone for further research.
Synonymes
Antonymes
Collocations courantes
Idioms & Expressions
"paralysis by analysis"
Unable to act because you are thinking too much.
He didn't buy the house because of paralysis by analysis.
casual"in the final analysis"
When everything is considered.
In the final analysis, it was a good trip.
formal"break it down"
Explain something simply or analyze parts.
Can you break it down for me?
casual"read between the lines"
Find hidden meaning.
If you read between the lines, he is unhappy.
neutral"get to the bottom of"
Find the true cause.
We need to get to the bottom of this issue.
neutral"take apart"
To analyze or criticize something.
The critics took his book apart.
casualEasily Confused
Verb vs Noun.
Analyze is the action, analysis is the result.
I will analyze (v) the data in my analysis (n).
Person vs Thing.
Analyst is the person.
The analyst did the analysis.
Adjective vs Noun.
Analytical describes a thing.
She has an analytical mind.
Opposite meaning.
Synthesis is building, analysis is breaking.
Analysis breaks it down; synthesis builds it up.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + conduct + an analysis + of + noun
We conducted an analysis of the market.
The + analysis + reveals + that...
The analysis reveals that sales are up.
Provide + an + analysis
Please provide an analysis of the report.
Perform + an + analysis + on
Perform an analysis on this sample.
Subject + is + in + the + analysis + phase
We are in the analysis phase.
Famille de mots
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Apparenté
How to Use It
8/10
Formality Scale
Erreurs courantes
Analysation is not a standard English word.
Many learners use 'analysises'.
The singular ends in a soft 's'.
While 'do' is okay, 'conduct' is more professional.
It is spelled with a 'y'.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Visualize a detective's desk.
When Native Speakers Use It
In work reports.
Cultural Insight
Used heavily in Western business.
Grammar Shortcut
Ends in -is (singular) / -es (plural).
Say It Right
Stress the second syllable.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't say 'analysation'.
Did You Know?
It means 'loosening up' in Greek.
Study Smart
Use it in a sentence today.
Writing Tip
Use 'conduct' with analysis.
Speaking Tip
Don't rush the plural pronunciation.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
A-NAL-Y-SIS: Always Notice All Little Yellow Signs In Situations.
Visual Association
A detective looking at a broken watch with a magnifying glass.
Word Web
Défi
Analyze your breakfast today!
Origine du mot
Greek
Original meaning: A loosening up
Contexte culturel
None
Commonly used in business and academic environments.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At work
- conduct an analysis
- data analysis
- market analysis
At school
- literary analysis
- critical analysis
- provide an analysis
Scientific research
- chemical analysis
- lab analysis
- detailed analysis
Financial planning
- cost-benefit analysis
- financial analysis
- risk analysis
Conversation Starters
"What is your analysis of the current situation?"
"Do you enjoy data analysis?"
"Why is analysis important in science?"
"How do you perform an analysis of a book?"
"Is paralysis by analysis a problem for you?"
Journal Prompts
Write an analysis of your favorite movie.
Describe a time you had to analyze a problem.
Why do we need analysis in the modern world?
How can you improve your analytical skills?
Questions fréquentes
8 questionsNo, 'analyze' is the verb.
Uh-NAL-uh-seez.
No, that is incorrect.
Yes, you can have one analysis or many analyses.
When you are studying something in detail.
Analytical.
An analyst.
Yes, it is usually used in formal contexts.
Teste-toi
I need to do an ___ of the data.
Need a noun here.
What is the plural of analysis?
Greek plural rule.
Analysis is a verb.
It is a noun.
Word
Signification
Noun vs Verb.
Standard sentence structure.
We must ___ an analysis of the results.
Collocation.
Which word is an adjective?
Analytical ends in -al.
You can perform an analysis.
Correct collocation.
Word
Signification
Conceptual opposites.
Correct adjective placement.
Score : /10
Summary
Analysis is the act of breaking complex things down to understand them better.
- Analysis is a noun.
- It means breaking things into parts.
- The plural is analyses.
- Used in formal and professional settings.
Memory Palace Trick
Visualize a detective's desk.
When Native Speakers Use It
In work reports.
Cultural Insight
Used heavily in Western business.
Grammar Shortcut
Ends in -is (singular) / -es (plural).
Exemple
I need to do a quick analysis of my monthly spending to save money.
Related Content
Ce mot dans d'autres langues
Expressions liées
Plus de mots sur Other
abate
C1Devenir moins intense ou moins sévère. C'est le terme idéal pour décrire quelque chose qui s'apaise, comme une tempête ou une colère.
abcarndom
C1S'écarter intentionnellement d'une séquence fixe ou d'un modèle établi en faveur d'une approche aléatoire ou non linéaire.
abcenthood
C1The state, condition, or period of being absent, particularly in a role where one's presence is expected or required. It often refers to a prolonged or systemic lack of participation in a social, parental, or professional capacity.
abcitless
C1C'est quand il manque une pièce maîtresse, rendant une idée ou un plan incomplet.
abcognacy
C1The state of being unaware or lacking knowledge about a specific subject, situation, or fact. It describes a condition of non-recognition or a gap in cognitive awareness, often used in technical or specialized academic contexts.
abdocion
C1Désigne un mouvement ou une force qui s'écarte d'un axe central. Utilisé techniquement pour parler de ce qui s'éloigne du milieu.
abdocly
C1Abdocly qualifie ce qui est dissimulé ou en retrait, rendant la chose difficile à remarquer immédiatement.
aberration
B2A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome. It refers to a temporary change or a deviation from the standard path or rule.
abfacible
C1To systematically strip or remove the external surface or facade of a structure or material for analysis, restoration, or cleaning. It specifically refers to the technical act of uncovering underlying layers while preserving the integrity of the core material.
abfactency
C1Qualifie ce qui est fondamentalement déconnecté des faits ou de la réalité objective. C'est souvent utilisé pour des théories logiques mais sans ancrage dans le réel.
