analyze

verb

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an·a·lyze | \ ˈa-nə-ˌlīz

analyzed; analyzing

Definition of analyze

transitive verb

1 : to study or determine the nature and relationship of the parts of (something) by analysis

2 : to subject to scientific or grammatical analysis chemically analyze a specimen analyze a sentence

3 : psychoanalyze

Other Words from analyze Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about analyze

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Other Words from analyze

analyzability \ ˌa-nə-ˌlī-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē

\ noun

analyzable \ ˈa-nə-ˌlī-zə-bəl

\ adjective

analyzer \ ˈa-nə-ˌlī-zər

\ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for analyze

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 (such 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

Examples of analyze in a Sentence

While Wroe offers some basic biographical information and quotes copiously from Shelley's writings, she does not tell a chronological story or analyze individual poems. — Adam Kirsch, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2007 They are not doing the math. Doing the math would mean demonstrating that the voters' intuitive judgments are roughly what they would get if they analyzed the likely effects of candidates' policies, and this is a difficult calculation to perform. — Louis Menand, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2004 Ms. Magazine's online daily weblog, written by Christine Cupaiuolo, analyzes the representation of women in media and popular culture. Here are excerpts from recent postings. — Ms., Fall 2003 The data was recorded and analyzed by computer. We took the sample to be chemically analyzed by a lab. Researchers are busy analyzing the results of the study. The bacteria were analyzed under a powerful microscope.

Recent Examples on the Web Then, scientists from around the world will be able to study and analyze the chemical and physical properties of these rock and soil samples for Mars, searching for signs of past life. — Ashley Strickland, CNN, "Why Mars? The fascination with exploring the red planet," 15 Apr. 2021 The layoffs hit the company’s advertising and sports segments, which used its software to help brands and sports teams analyze and value sponsorships. — Sahil Patel, WSJ, "GumGum Raises $75 Million From Goldman Sachs," 13 Apr. 2021 The key is to analyze the behavior of a person’s journey across all digital touchpoints. — Louis Tetu, Forbes, "How Digital Underdogs Can Fight Back With Relevance," 12 Apr. 2021 Our legal experts analyze where things stand with the prosecution's case. — ABC News, "'This Week' Transcript 4-11-21: Sec. Jennifer Granholm, Sen. Roger Wicker," 11 Apr. 2021 La Soufriere previously had an effusive eruption in December, prompting experts from around the region to fly in and analyze the formation of a new volcanic dome and changes to its crater lake, among other things. — Fox News, "St. Vincent awaits new volcanic explosions as help arrives," 10 Apr. 2021 La Soufriere previously had an effusive eruption in December, prompting experts from around the region to fly in and analyze the formation of a new volcanic dome and changes to its crater lake, among other things. — BostonGlobe.com, "St. Vincent awaits new volcanic explosions as help arrives," 10 Apr. 2021 La Soufriere previously had an effusive eruption in December, prompting experts from around the region to fly in and analyze the formation of a new volcanic dome and changes to its crater lake, among other things. — NBC News, "St. Vincent awaits new volcanic explosions as aid arrives on the Caribbean island," 10 Apr. 2021 La Soufriere previously had an effusive eruption in December, prompting experts from around the region to fly in and analyze the formation of a new volcanic dome and changes to its crater lake, among other things. — Kristin Deane And DÁnica Coto, chicagotribune.com, "Ash-covered St. Vincent awaits more volcanic explosions," 10 Apr. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'analyze.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for analyze

probably by back-formation from analysis, with -is taken as a suffix, and -ys- identified with the verb-forming suffix -ize, spelled -yze/-ize/-yse/-ise in the 17th century

Note: Alternatively, the verb could arise by haplology from*analysise. Note that analysis comes into vernacular use only a couple decades before the verb. Compare analyst.

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