analyze
Americanverb (used with object)
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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
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to examine critically, so as to bring out the essential elements or give the essence of.
to analyze a poem.
- Synonyms:
- explicate
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to examine carefully and in detail so as to identify causes, key factors, possible results, etc.
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to subject to mathematical, chemical, grammatical, etc., analysis.
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to psychoanalyze.
a patient who has been analyzed by two therapists.
Other Word Forms
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analyzabilitynoun
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analyzableadjective
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analyzationnoun
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misanalyzeverb (used with object)
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nonanalyzableadjective
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nonanalyzedadjective
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overanalyzeverb
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reanalyzableadjective
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reanalyzeverb (used with object)
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unanalyzableadjective
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unanalyzablyadverb
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unanalyzedadjective
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unanalyzingadjective
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well-analyzedadjective
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.
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.
Participants completed psychological assessments, tracked their diet and caffeine intake, and provided stool and urine samples so scientists could analyze changes in gut bacteria and emotional state.
From Science Daily • May 3, 2026
They issued a report reimagining the state superintendent as a student “champion” who would analyze and report on the effectiveness of the education system and also take on an advocacy role.
From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026
My firm is called Trivariate to reflect the three variables—macro, quantitative, and fundamental—that we use to analyze stocks.
From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026
They have been much more concerned about businesses like Qlik and Qualtrics, which help companies analyze and visualize data, tasks that some investors think could become commodified.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026
Dari asked, and I could tell he was watching me and piecing all his observations together, trying to analyze the mystery of me, so I turned away and clutched the seed to my chest.
From "The Science of Breakable Things" by Tae Keller
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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.