ANALOGY

analogy

(noun) drawing a comparison in order to show a similarity in some respect; “the operation of a computer presents and interesting analogy to the working of the brain”; “the models show by analogy how matter is built up”

analogy

(noun) an inference that if things agree in some respects they probably agree in others

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

analogy (countable and uncountable, plural analogies)

A relationship of resemblance or equivalence between two situations, people, or objects, especially when used as a basis for explanation or extrapolation.

(geometry) The proportion or the equality of ratios.

(grammar) The correspondence of a word or phrase with the genius of a language, as learned from the manner in which its words and phrases are ordinarily formed; similarity of derivative or inflectional processes.

Source: Wiktionary

A*nal"o*gy, n.; pl. Analogies. Etym: [L. analogia, Gr. analogie. See Analogous.]

1. A resemblance of relations; an agreement or likeness between things in some circumstances or effects, when the things are otherwise entirely different. Thus, learning enlightens the mind, because it is to the mind what light is to the eye, enabling it to discover things before hidden.

Note: Followed by between, to, or with; as, there is an analogy between these objects, or one thing has an analogy to or with another.

Note: Analogy is very commonly used to denote similarity or essential resemblance; but its specific meaning is a similarity of relations, and in this consists the difference between the argument from example and that from analogy. In the former, we argue from the mere similarity of two things; in the latter, from the similarity of their relations. Karslake.

2. (Biol.)

Definition: A relation or correspondence in function, between organs or parts which are decidedly different.

3. (Geom.)

Definition: Proportion; equality of ratios.

4. (Gram.)

Definition: Conformity of words to the genius, structure, or general rules of a language; similarity of origin, inflection, or principle of pronunciation, and the like, as opposed to pl. analogies. Johnson.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition