analyze
Americanverb (used with object)
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to separate (a material or abstract entity) into constituent parts or elements; determine the elements or essential features of (opposed to synthesize).
to analyze an argument.
- Synonyms:
- break down.
- Antonyms:
- synthesize
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to examine critically, so as to bring out the essential elements or give the essence of.
to analyze a poem.
- Synonyms:
- explicate
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to examine carefully and in detail so as to identify causes, key factors, possible results, etc.
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to subject to mathematical, chemical, grammatical, etc., analysis.
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to psychoanalyze.
a patient who has been analyzed by two therapists.
Other Word Forms
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analyzabilitynoun
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analyzableadjective
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analyzationnoun
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misanalyzeverb (used with object)
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nonanalyzableadjective
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nonanalyzedadjective
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overanalyzeverb
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reanalyzableadjective
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reanalyzeverb (used with object)
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unanalyzableadjective
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unanalyzablyadverb
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unanalyzedadjective
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unanalyzingadjective
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well-analyzedadjective
Etymology
Origin of analyze
First recorded in 1595–1605; back formation from analysis (or from its Latin or Greek sources), with -ys- taken as -ize
Explanation
Analyze means to study or examine something carefully in a methodical way. If you analyze your math tests from earlier in the year, you'll be able to figure out what you most need to study for the final exam. This verb analyze comes from the noun analysis. The noun analysis was in turn borrowed from Greek, from analyein, or "to dissolve." If you go into analysis, it means that you will be examined and helped by a mental health professional — who will analyze your particular problems and help you find solutions.
Vocabulary lists containing analyze
The SAT: Language of the Test, List 1
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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 1
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Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items
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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.
Jaguar set the pattern for Lemssouguer: Analyze the data, find conviction and make the trade as big as possible.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026
Analyze racism and white supremacy in the United States.
From Salon • Aug. 7, 2023
Analyze your household expenses to figure out how long your savings will last, especially knowing job searches can take months.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 15, 2023
Analyze these data to refine the following model: The evolutionary history of life on Earth can be inferred from variations over time of the nucleotide sequence of a gene.
From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022
Analyze, interpret, and select artistic work for presentation.
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
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.
