analyze
To examine methodically and in detail the constitution or structure of something, especially information or data, for purposes of explanation and interpretation.
Analysis involves breaking down a complex whole into its constituent parts to understand their relationships and meaning.
Word relationships
- examine: Examine can be less detailed; analyze implies a deeper, more systematic breakdown.
- evaluate: Evaluate often involves judging worth or significance; analyze focuses on understanding structure and components.
- dissect: Dissect implies physically cutting apart; analyze is often conceptual.
- synthesize: Synthesize means to combine parts into a whole; analyze means to break a whole into parts.
Word family
- analysis (noun): The process of analyzing.
- analytic (adjective): Relating to or using analysis.
- analyst (noun): A person who analyzes.
Collocations
- analyze data
- analyze results
- analyze a sample
- critically analyze
Idioms & expressions
- analyze the situation (figurative: assess circumstances)
Example sentences
- "The marketing team needed to analyze the sales data to identify emerging consumer trends." Market research
- "Scientists are working to analyze the chemical composition of the newly discovered mineral." Scientific investigation
Memory hook
To 'ANALYZE' is to 'ANNA' (a person) 'LIES' (down) and breaks down information. AN-uh-lyz: break down to understand
When not to use
Do not use 'analyze' for a superficial glance or a quick look; it implies a thorough and systematic examination.
Fun facts
- The term 'psychoanalysis' uses the same root, referring to the process of breaking down psychological complexes.
- Data analysis is a critical step in the scientific method, following data collection and preceding conclusion drawing.
Related words
Explore more words
Analysis, analytical, break down, deconstruct, scrutinize, Interpret
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