adjective
analogous
uh-NAL-uh-gus/əˈnæləɡəs/
Similar enough in certain respects to be compared.
The aircraft's wing is analogous to a bird's wing in providing lift.
Etymology
“According to” and “proportion” originally described things in a proportionate relationship. That idea broadened to correspondence in particular respects, allowing things to be analogous in function or structure without being identical.
In context
people grouped organisms by analogous or homoplasic traits, structures that appear similar but actually come from completely independent origins.
More examples
- Her situation is analogous to mine, though the details differ.
- The two languages use analogous structures to express possession.
- We look for an analogous case to guide our reasoning.
Forms
analogy noun — A comparison used to explain or support reasoning.
Similar words
- similar
- Broader; resemblance need not support a specific comparison.
- equivalent
- Suggests equal value or function rather than partial resemblance.