- a variation of analytic.
analytical
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of analytical
First recorded in 1520–30; from Late Latin analyticus analytic ( def. ) + -al 1 ( def. )
Explanation
What do Sherlock Holmes and Albert Einstein have in common? (No, this is not the start of a joke.) They were both analytical — meaning they were good at breaking down problems into smaller parts to find solutions. The adjective, analytical, and the related verb analyze can both be traced back to the Greek verb, analyein — "to break up, to loosen." If you are analytical, you are good at taking a problem or task and breaking it down into smaller elements in order to solve the problem or complete the task. The opposite type of problem-solving is called the intuitive approach in which a person senses the correct action to take without proof or reasoning. Analytic can be substituted for analytical in this sense.
Vocabulary lists containing analytical
"The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell
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PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade 11)
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Ungifted
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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.
AI systems are increasingly capable of performing the creative, analytical and strategic work that was once the exclusive province of educated, well-paid professionals.
From MarketWatch • Jul. 6, 2026
Results produced using these novel analytical methods provide guidance on the use of recycled plastics over virgin plastics in roadways.
From Science Daily • Jun. 28, 2026
Bio-Techne provides analytical technologies and life science tools used by researchers and drug manufacturers.
From Barron's • Jun. 25, 2026
Blockchain analytics firms use public data, human sources and analytical indicators to map out wallets, though their findings can vary.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 25, 2026
“Sir, you are asking questions that are more in the nature of analytical geometry and calculus,” he said, turning away from the blackboard to eye me over his half-glasses.
From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam
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.
