analyze

verb an·a·lyze \ˈa-nə-ˌlīz\

: to study (something) closely and carefully : to learn the nature and relationship of the parts of (something) by a close and careful examination

: to study the emotions and thoughts of (someone) by using psychoanalysis

an·a·lyzedan·a·lyz·ing

Full Definition of ANALYZE

transitive verb

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

: to subject to scientific or grammatical analysis

: 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

See analyze defined for English-language learners

See analyze defined for kids

Examples of ANALYZE

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
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Origin of ANALYZE

probably irregular from analysis

First Known Use: 1587

Related to ANALYZE

Synonyms: anatomize, assay, break down, cut, deconstruct, dissect

Synonym Discussion of 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 (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>.

ANALYZE Defined for Kids