analogous
Americanadjective
-
having analogy; corresponding in some particular.
A brain and a computer are analogous.
- Synonyms:
- akin, comparable, like, alike, similar
- Antonyms:
- dissimilar
-
Biology. corresponding in function, but not evolved from corresponding organs, as the wings of a bee and those of a hummingbird.
adjective
-
similar or corresponding in some respect
-
biology (of organs and parts) having the same function but different evolutionary origin Compare homologous
the paddle of a whale and the fin of a fish are analogous
-
linguistics formed by analogy
an analogous plural
-
Similar in function but having different evolutionary origins, as the wings of a butterfly and the wings of a bird.
-
Similar in chemical properties and differing in chemical structure only with respect to one element or group.
Usage
The use of with after analogous should be avoided: swimming has no event that is analogous to (not with ) the 100 metres in athletics
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of analogous
First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin analogus, from Greek análogos “proportionate,” equivalent to ana- ana- + lógos “ratio”
Explanation
Use the adjective analogous to describe something that is similar to something else and can be compared to another. Analogous things can be compared to each other, so a near synonym is the adjective comparable. Analogous is a term used in biology to refer to body parts that have a similar function but differ in structure, such as the wings of a bird and the wings of an airplane. Analogous is from Latin analogus, from Greek analogos, meaning "according to a proper ratio or proportion."
Vocabulary lists containing analogous
100 SAT Words Beginning with "A"
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30 GRE Words Beginning with "A"
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"Democracy in America, Vol. 1" by Alexis de Tocqueville, Introduction–Chapter 5
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Analogous surveys of Russian adults haven’t been published to avoid drawing attention to the scale of discontent, according to reporting in Meduza.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026
Analogous life-saving measures aren't always possible during other extreme weather events, like hurricanes or floods.
From Salon • Aug. 9, 2023
Analogous concerns about the mistakes physicians sometimes make did not prevail when Belgium legalized euthanasia.
From Washington Post • Mar. 8, 2023
Analogous to the business theory of disruptive innovation, undercutting the price of 80 percent of dental care may have the unintended consequence of commoditizing much of the profession.
From Slate • Aug. 28, 2017
Analogous differences have long since been observed in the study of fermentation between surface and sedimentary yeast.
From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
