analysis
Pluralanalyses
- 1Careful study of something and its parts to understand it, or an explanation of what that study shows.
Like taking apart a clock to see how each piece works.
Her analysis of the problem helped the team find a solution.
Careful analysis of the numbers took us all week.
UsageSay an analysis of something. For more than one, say analyses.
Similarexamination, study, evaluation, assessment, breakdown
Oppositesynthesis
- 2Finding out what a substance is made of by breaking it into its parts.
Like checking the ingredients in a soup by separating out each one.
The lab ran an analysis to find out what was in the water sample.
Chemical analysis showed the rock contained iron.
UsageSay a lab runs an analysis on a sample.
Similartest, assay, examination
Oppositesynthesis
Note
- 3A branch of math, grown from calculus, that studies how functions and number patterns behave.
Like a big toolbox of math methods that all grew from one idea: how things change.
She is taking a course in analysis this semester.
Real analysis was the hardest class in his degree.
Note
Less common meanings
- 4A type of treatment that explores hidden thoughts and feelings to help with mental troubles.
Like slowly untangling a knot of feelings with someone's help.
After years of analysis, he finally understood his fears.
She began analysis to deal with her anxiety.
UsageSay someone is in analysis when they are having this treatment.
Similarpsychoanalysis, therapy
Note
- 5A way of proving something by first supposing it is true and working back to facts already known.
The proof used analysis, starting from the answer and working back to known facts.
The teacher showed us an analysis that began with the answer and ended at a rule we knew.
Note
Practice
Can you tell the meanings of analysis apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.
Origin
It comes from a Greek word meaning "to unravel" or "loosen," built from parts meaning "thoroughly" and "loosen."
Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts
- Analysis ultimately comes from Greek ἀναλύω, meaning to unravel or loosen. en.wiktionary.org
- The Greek verb is built from parts meaning thoroughly and loosen. en.wiktionary.org