analogous

[uh-nal-uh-guhs]

adjective

1. having analogy; corresponding in some particular.

   A brain and a computer are analogous.

   Synonyms: akin, comparable, like, alike, similar
   Antonyms: dissimilar

2. Biology.,  corresponding in function, but not evolved from corresponding organs, as the wings of a bee and those of a hummingbird.

analogous

/ əˈnæləɡəs /

adjective

1. similar or corresponding in some respect

2. 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

3. linguistics formed by analogy

   an analogous plural

analogous

1. Similar in function but having different evolutionary origins, as the wings of a butterfly and the wings of a bird.

2. 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

• analogously adverb
• analogousness noun
• nonanalogous adjective
• nonanalogously adverb
• nonanalogousness noun
• unanalogous adjective
• unanalogously adverb
• unanalogousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of analogous¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin analogus, from Greek análogos “proportionate,” equivalent to ana- ana- + lógos “ratio”

Word History and Origins

Origin of analogous¹

C17: from Latin analogus, from Greek analogos proportionate, from _ana- + logos speech, ratio

Example Sentences

Something analogous happens in James Fox’s “Craftland,” which is devoted to the many traditional trades and occupations that have long created the material civilization of Britain.

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It is analogous to the kind of logic currently deployed in circles where Christianity is being rediscovered because of its cultural benefits.

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“By contrast, the present case does not involve any analogous creative product or expressive association,” Guerrero wrote, concluding that the California law is instead regulating people’s conduct.

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They show that structures analogous to the superior colliculus -- found in fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals -- share a common purpose: merging sensory and motor information to guide gaze and attention.

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A few of these reports have included amusing “to be sure” paragraphs, to use trade lingo: brief acknowledgments of some contrary argument or analogous trend.

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Related Words

• akin 
• comparable 
• corresponding 
• related