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Synonyms

analyze

American  
[an-l-ahyz] / ˈæn lˌaɪz /
especially British, analyse

verb (used with object)

analyzes, present (3rd person singular) analyzed, past participle, past analyzing present participle
  1. 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
  2. to examine critically, so as to bring out the essential elements or give the essence of.

    to analyze a poem.

    Synonyms:
    explicate
  3. to examine carefully and in detail so as to identify causes, key factors, possible results, etc.

  4. to subject to mathematical, chemical, grammatical, etc., analysis.

  5. to psychoanalyze.

    a patient who has been analyzed by two therapists.

  6. psychoanalyze.


Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

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.

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