analogical

American  

[an-l-oj-i-kuhl] / ˌæn lˈɒdʒ ɪ kəl /

Also analogic

adjective

1. based on, involving, or expressing an analogy.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• analogically
  adverb
• nonanalogic
  adjective
• nonanalogically
  adverb
• nonanalogical
  adjective
• analogicalness
  noun
• unanalogically
  adverb
• nonanalogicalness
  noun
• unanalogical
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of analogical

First recorded in 1560–70; from Latin analogic(us) (from Greek analogikós; see analogy, -ic) + -al ¹

Explanation

Something analogical compares two different things. An analogical expression might be "My house is so cold it's like a refrigerator in here." An analogy is a comparison — usually either a metaphor or a simile — that helps to explain something or make it clearer. Analogical things use analogies or refer to them. A comparison like "You are quiet as a mouse" or "My brother was a pig at dinner" is analogical. The Greek root is analogos, "proportionate."