Main Entry: an·a·lyze

Pronunciation: \ˈa-nə-ˌlīz\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): an·a·lyzed; an·a·lyz·ing

Etymology: probably irregular from analysis

Date: 1587

1 : to study or determine the nature and relationship of the parts of by analysis
2 : to subject to scientific or grammatical analysis
3 : psychoanalyze

— an·a·lyz·abil·i·ty \ˌa-nə-ˌlī-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— an·a·lyz·able \ˈa-nə-ˌlī-zə-bəl\ adjective

— an·a·lyz·er \-ˌlī-zər\ noun

synonyms analyze, dissect, break down mean to divide a complex whole into its parts or elements. analyze suggests separating or distinguishing the component parts of something (as a substance, a process, a situation) so as to discover its true nature or inner relationships <analyzed the collected data>. dissect suggests a searching analysis by laying bare parts or pieces for individual scrutiny <commentators dissected every word of the speech>. break down implies a reducing to simpler parts or divisions <break down the budget>.