Different objects are analogous when they are similar or perform similar functions.
The adjective analogue , which derives from the Latin term analŏgus , is used to describe that which has an analogy with something else. The concept of analogy, for its part, refers to the link of similarity that exists between two different elements.
To establish a relationship of analogy, it is necessary to make a comparison . When common points, similarities or approximations are found, it can be stated that two objects or entities are analogous.
How to determine if two elements are analogous
The search for universal characteristics and abstraction are some of the mental operations that are carried out when trying to establish whether different elements are analogous. A mechanic, for example, can affirm that two cars are analogous when, after analyzing the engine, body and components of each vehicle , he discovers certain similarities.
In the previous example it can be seen that two objects are analogous if they can carry out similar functions; It is a much greater resemblance than a mere coincidence in their physical appearance, which, in fact, is not necessary for the analogy to hold. A synonym for this word that serves to highlight this explanation is equivalent : if two computers are analogous or equivalent, then it is expected that they can carry out operations of equal complexity with the same efficiency.
The concept in psychology and linguistics
The analogy usually appears in the field of psychology . When we want an individual to learn something through experience, we appeal to them, by induction, to act in the same way in those moments that are analogous. This is because, if a behavior is repeated in analogous situations, the result should be the same.
Within the field of linguistics , on the other hand, the action necessary to create discourses according to certain pre-existing models is known as analogy . In this way it is possible to explain the changes that certain forms go through if they are exposed to the similarities that the speakers notice in their minds. In this context we recognize two types of analogy: semantic and lexical .
In the field of law, jurisprudence allows analogous facts to be judged.
Analogous meaning
The phenomenon called semantic analogy is one that occurs when human beings associate a term with an analogous meaning. A clear example can be found in the word miniature , which emerged within the field of art to designate a very small painting, generally made on some delicate surface, such as vellum; Despite its first meaning, this same word is used to refer to any small object.
Our tendency to link each term to a particular meaning , on the other hand, collaborates with the phenomenon known as lexical analogy , which can also be found as paronymic attraction , lexical analogy or paretimology . It is the action of creating a meaning through the phonetic adaptation of a term or through a semantic alteration. Let's look at some examples below:
* atiforrar , which arises from gorging , by thinking about the phonetics of forrarse ;
*disinfest , which arises from disinfect , to think about the phonetics of infest ;
* erupt , which should be belch but arises from the contamination of the term eruption , which refers to a violent expulsion of gas or volcanic material;
* esparatrapo , which arises from esparadrapo , to think about the phonetics of rag .
The notion in law and biology
The establishment of analogies is very important in law . Jurisprudence allows analogous cases to be judged through a comparison of the facts. If a man was sentenced to five years in prison as responsible for situation
For biology , finally, organs are analogous when they adopt a similar appearance for the development of a function, as in the case of birds with their wings.