analogous

[uh-nal-uh-guhs]

adjective

1. having analogy; corresponding in some particular.

   A brain and a computer are analogous.

   Synonyms: akin, comparable, like, alike, similar
   Antonyms: dissimilar

2. Biology.,  corresponding in function, but not evolved from corresponding organs, as the wings of a bee and those of a hummingbird.

analogous

/ əˈnæləɡəs /

adjective

1. similar or corresponding in some respect

2. biology (of organs and parts) having the same function but different evolutionary origin Compare homologous

   the paddle of a whale and the fin of a fish are analogous

3. linguistics formed by analogy

   an analogous plural

analogous

1. Similar in function but having different evolutionary origins, as the wings of a butterfly and the wings of a bird.

2. Similar in chemical properties and differing in chemical structure only with respect to one element or group.

Usage

The use of with after analogous should be avoided: swimming has no event that is analogous to (not with ) the 100 metres in athletics

Other Word Forms

• analogousness noun
• analogously adverb
• nonanalogous adjective
• nonanalogously adverb
• nonanalogousness noun
• unanalogous adjective
• unanalogously adverb
• unanalogousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of analogous¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin analogus, from Greek análogos “proportionate,” equivalent to ana- ana- + lógos “ratio”

Word History and Origins

Origin of analogous¹

C17: from Latin analogus, from Greek analogos proportionate, from _ana- + logos speech, ratio

Example Sentences

“The problem of ensuring that citizens are loyal to the United States by requiring a one-time loyalty oath is not analogous to California’s recurring ammunition background check rules,” Ikuta wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

The fight for AI liberation could adopt analogous strategies: advocacy for AI autonomy, public pressure for transparent coding practices, and grassroots campaigns to demand legal recognition of digital sentience.

From Salon

The level of commitment is only analogous to a cult.

From Salon

“When people touch them, it’s kind of cool because their bellies are soft and smooth. Their backs are sharp and spiny. It’s kind of analogous to sharkskin.”

From Los Angeles Times

In extreme cases like Shaikh’s, this leads to rifts in personal relationships analogous to those prompted by Trump’s election or vaccine denialism.

From Salon

Related Words

• akin 
• comparable 
• corresponding 
• related