analogize
UK[əˈnælədʒaɪz]US[əˈnælədʒaɪz]
v
to explain or show something by comparing it with something similar
v
to use or draw an analogy
Morpheme Breakdown
analog
ize
analog
proportion, correspondence
ize
verb-forming suffix
Etymology
the verb 'analogize' is built upon the noun 'analogy', which originates from the greek 'analogia', meaning 'proportion, correspondence'. this greek term itself derives from 'ana-' (according to) and 'logos' (ratio, word, reckoning), reflecting a foundational concept of establishing a relationship or proportion between two things. the suffix '-ize' was later attached, following a pattern established in late latin and middle english for creating verbs that mean 'to make or act in the manner of'. thus, the literal construction 'to make into an analogy' elegantly captures the modern abstract meaning of explaining something through comparative reasoning.
Analysis
Structure: analog (proportion, correspondence) + ize (verb-forming suffix)
- analog: from greek 'analogos' (proportionate, according to a due ratio), via latin and french. in this word, it functions as the base meaning 'proportion' or 'correspondence'.
- ize: a verb-forming suffix of greek origin (via latin -izare), indicating 'to make, to become, or to act like'.
Examples
the teacher tried to analogize the function of a cell to a tiny factory.
philosophers often analogize the mind to software running on the hardware of the brain.
she analogized the complex political situation to a game of multidimensional chess.