Analogizes

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To draw a comparison between disparate elements in order to clarify a concept
2. To demonstrate similarities between distinct subjects in a manner that enhances understanding
3. To explain something by showing how it is similar to another concept or situation

Etymology: The verb "analogizes" is simply the third-person singular form of "analogize," so the story lies in the verb's parts. "Analogize" is built from "analogy," which came into English through Latin from Greek "analogia," meaning proportion or correspondence, with "ana-" (again, according to) and "logos" (ratio, reasoning) at its core. The ending "-ize" comes from Greek "-izein" through Late Latin "-izare," passing through Middle French "-iser" and Middle English "-isen" before settling into modern English as "-ize." Put together, "analogize" means to reason by way of analogy: to explain one thing by pointing to how it resembles another. The ending that turns the noun into a verb is the same one found in words like "civilize" and "modernize," so the verb follows a familiar pattern in English.

Synonyms: compares, equates, relates, corresponds, parallels

Antonyms: dissociates, differs, contrasts, separates, divides