analysis

/əˈnæləsɪs/
detailed examination

The scientist conducted a thorough analysis of the data.

The scientist carefully examined the data in detail.


formal

A detailed examination of the elements or structure of something.

After months of analysis, the researchers published their findings.

After carefully studying the data for months, the researchers shared their conclusions.

The company hired an expert for financial analysis.

The company brought in a specialist to examine their financial situation in detail.

Often used in academic, scientific, or business contexts to describe systematic examination.

Engineering
technical

The process of separating something into its constituent parts to understand it better.

The engineer performed a stress analysis on the bridge design.

The engineer carefully examined how the bridge design would handle stress.

In technical fields, analysis often involves mathematical or computational methods.

formal

A short account of the results of examining something.

The report included a concise analysis of market trends.

The report briefly summarized the trends observed in the market.

Can refer to a written or spoken summary of examination results.

Collocations

in-depth analysisthorough and detailed examinationfinancial analysisexamination of financial datamarket analysisexamination of market conditionsdata analysisexamination of data to extract insights

Pro Tip

Use 'analysis' for systematic examination

Use 'analysis' when describing a structured, detailed examination of data, systems, or concepts. Avoid using it for casual observations or simple descriptions.

Gold Rule

Analysis vs. Synthesis

Remember: analysis involves breaking something down into parts, while synthesis involves combining parts into a whole.

Word Origin

From Latin *analysis*, from Ancient Greek ἀνάλυσις (análusis), meaning 'a breaking up, loosening, releasing', from ἀναλύω (analúō), 'to undo, dissolve, break up' (ἀνά 'up' + λύω 'to loosen'). The term entered English in the 16th century via Medieval Latin.

Usage Notes

Analysis is often used in academic writing, scientific research, and business reports. It implies a systematic approach rather than a casual observation. The plural form is 'analyses'.

Word Breakdown

ana-
up, back, again
prefix
+
-lysis
loosening, releasing
suffix
English Dictionary