analyze

American

[an-l-ahyz] / ˈæn lˌaɪz /

especially British, analyse

verb (used with object)

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
to examine critically, so as to bring out the essential elements or give the essence of.

to analyze a poem.

Synonyms:

explicate
to examine carefully and in detail so as to identify causes, key factors, possible results, etc.
to subject to mathematical, chemical, grammatical, etc., analysis.
to psychoanalyze.

a patient who has been analyzed by two therapists.
psychoanalyze.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Conjugated Forms

Present

Past

Future

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.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

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.

“We develop and license software platforms that enable our customers to integrate and analyze their own data to make better decisions,” the board added.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

But if AI can collate and analyze data to capture individual preferences at scale we may no longer need the assumption of the rational actor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

"Roman won't analyze atmospheres in the same in-depth way as missions like NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, but it will gather different information on a much larger scale," Wilson said.

From Science Daily • Jun. 1, 2026

Parsons uploaded his early shorts online where he could analyze the mass response.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

“A hitter has only milliseconds to analyze a pitch, decide what to do, and then follow through with his hitting plan.”

From "A High Five for Glenn Burke" by Phil Bildner

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023