analogize
To draw a comparison or parallel between two things to explain or clarify
Examples
In a meeting
“Let me analogize our server architecture to a postal system to help the stakeholders understand the data flow.”
Over coffee
“I tried to analogize machine learning to teaching a kid to recognize animals, and she finally got it.”
Why this word
compare
Analogize specifically means to draw parallels between dissimilar things, while compare is general examination of similarities
liken
Analogize suggests systematic reasoning through analogy, while liken is simpler assertion of similarity
relate
Analogize creates formal logical comparisons, while relate broadly connects things
Usage tip
Use when explaining complex technical concepts by relating them to familiar systems or processes. More precise than 'compare' when you're specifically creating an explanatory parallel.
Etymology
Greek analogos (proportionate) from ana- (according to) + logos (ratio, reason)
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Related words
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion
concise
Giving a lot of information clearly in few words.
ambiguous
Open to more than one interpretation; not clear or decided.
convey
To communicate or make an idea, feeling, or meaning known.
reiterate
To say something again for emphasis or clarity.
paraphrase
To restate something in different words to make it clearer or shorter.