analogy

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   drawing a comparison in order to show a similarity in some respect

   the operation of a computer presents and interesting analogy to the working of the brain

2. 2
   noun

   the religious belief that between creature and creator no similarity can be found so great but that the dissimilarity is always greater

   any analogy between God and humans will always be inadequate

3. 3
   noun

   A relationship of resemblance or equivalence between two situations, people, or objects, especially when used as a basis for explanation or extrapolation.

   Yet the systole and diastole of the heart are not without their analogy in the ebb and flow of love.

4. 4
   noun

   an inference that if things agree in some respects they probably agree in others

5. 5
   noun

   The proportion or the equality of ratios.

6. 6
   noun

   The correspondence of a word or phrase with the genius of a language, as learned from the manner in which its words and phrases are ordinarily formed; similarity of derivative or inflectional processes.

Etymology

From Latin analogia, from Ancient Greek ἀναλογίᾱ (analogíā), from ἀνα- (ana-) + λόγος (lógos, “speech, reckoning”).