meaning - “Analogous” vs. “analogical”


What is the difference in meaning between analogous and analogical?



Answer



“Analogous” means “comparable or similar”. For example, “most clothing worn by humans is analogous to a peacock's feathers: useless except for social signalling”.


“Analogical” means “of or pertaining to an analogy”, and is close in meaning to “metaphorical”. For example:



  • “Many common English sayings are analogical in nature.”

  • “While her statement was intended to be taken literally, many in the audience mistakenly believed it was analogical.”

  • “Great scientists have used analogical thinking to notice the underlying relationships between natural phenomena.”


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