Analogous describes things that are comparableable to be compared because they share significant similarities in some important way, even though they are differentnot alike; having distinct characteristics or qualities overall. It is often used when two things have similar functionsjobs or purposes something performs, roles, or parts, but are not actually the same.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˌænəˈlɔːɡəs/
Easy pronunciation: an-uh-LAW-gus (approximate spelling).
Stress: Primary stress on the third syllable: LAW.
Adjective meaning similar or equivalent in some respects though otherwise dissimilar.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Analogous Meaning
similar in some ways, but not the same
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: similar or equivalent in some respects though otherwise dissimilar
Example: Brains and computers are often considered analogous.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- correspondent — Can work in some formal contexts, but is less common and often more specific than analogous.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Analogous
Meaning 2
having the same function, but coming from different origins
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: corresponding in function but not in evolutionary origin
Example: The wings of a bee and those of a hummingbird are analogous.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Analogous Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- correspondent
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Do not use analogous to mean identical; it means comparable in some respect, not exactly the same.
- Do not confuse analogous with homologous, which refers to similarity based on shared evolutionary origin rather than function.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does analogous mean?
Analogous means similar in some respects, even though the things being compared are otherwise different.
What is a synonym for analogous?
A close synonym is correspondent in some formal uses, but analogous is usually the more natural choice.
How is analogous different from homologous?
Analogous describes things that serve a similar function or have a similar role, while homologous refers to similarity based on shared origin.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.