analyze
UK[ˈæn.ə.laɪz]US[ˈæn.ə.laɪz]
v
To examine something methodically and in detail, typically in order to explain and interpret it.
v
To separate something into its constituent parts for individual study.
Morpheme Breakdown
ana
lyze
ana
up, throughout
lyze
to loosen, set free
Etymology
The word 'analyze' entered English in the late 16th century via Medieval Latin and French, tracing its core components to ancient Greek. The Greek prefix 'ana-' (up, throughout) combined with 'lysis' (a loosening or releasing) formed 'analusis,' meaning "a dissolving or breaking up." This literal sense of "loosening throughout" was adopted into logic and philosophy to describe the process of breaking down a complex concept into its simpler, constituent elements. Over time, this intellectual procedure generalized into the modern meaning of methodically examining and interpreting the parts of any system, substance, or problem.
Analysis
Structure: ana (up, throughout) + lyze (to loosen, set free)
'ana' is a Greek prefix meaning "up, back, again, throughout." 'lyze' is derived from the Greek verb 'lyein,' meaning "to loosen, release, or set free."
Examples
The scientist will analyze the data to find patterns.
We need to analyze the reasons for the project's failure.
The teacher asked the students to analyze the poem's structure and themes.