analogous

What does “analogous” mean?

adjective.comparable in certain respects, typically in a way which makes clearer the nature of the things compared.

SAT Usage

The term is often found in passages discussing comparisons in science, literature, or philosophy, where it highlights similarities between different concepts or phenomena. It emphasizes the significance of these comparisons in understanding complex ideas, distinguishing it from merely "similar," which lacks the implication of deeper insight or clarification.

Common Confusions

Analogous implies a meaningful comparison that clarifies relationships, while similar usually suggests a basic resemblance without the depth of insight into the connections between the items.

Example Sentences

• The heart is analogous to a pump in its function.

• The situation was analogous to a previous case they had successfully handled.

Word Parts: How to Remember “analogous”

Break “analogous” into its parts: ana- (according to). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: ana- according to (Greek)