analyze
Americanverb (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.
Other Word Forms
- analyzability noun
- analyzable adjective
- analyzation noun
- misanalyze verb (used with object)
- nonanalyzable adjective
- nonanalyzed adjective
- overanalyze verb
- reanalyzable adjective
- reanalyze verb (used with object)
- unanalyzable adjective
- unanalyzably adverb
- unanalyzed adjective
- unanalyzing adjective
- well-analyzed adjective
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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Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items
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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 1
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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.
Others tried to analyze the facial expressions in photos of top administration figures, looking for something disingenuous to betray acting or indicate a lack of real fear.
From Slate • Apr. 26, 2026
“I love how he would analyze my dreams or how I felt I could come talk to him about anything. No subject was ever off-limits.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026
The new approach allows scientists to observe and analyze these rapid changes with exceptional clarity and speed.
From Science Daily • Apr. 21, 2026
Google Cloud offers computing services which allow users to store and analyze data on the internet.
From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026
Ekman and Friesen began to analyze the film for clues.
From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell
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.
