Analogy.
Synonyms:
| affinity, | likeness, | relation, | similarity, |
| coincidence, | parity, | resemblance, | simile, |
| comparison, | proportion, | semblance, | similitude. |
Analogy is specifically a resemblance of relations; a resemblance that may be reasoned from, so that from the likeness in certain respects we may infer that other and perhaps deeper relations exist. Affinity is a mutual attraction with or without seeming likeness; as, the affinity of iron for oxygen. Coincidence is complete agreement in some one or more respects; there may be a coincidence in time of most dissimilar events. Parity of reasoning is said of an argument equally conclusive on subjects not strictly analogous. Similitude is a rhetorical comparison of one thing to another with which it has some points in common. Resemblance and similarity are external or superficial, and may involve no deeper relation; as, the resemblance of a cloud to a distant mountain. Compare ALLEGORY.
Antonyms:
disagreement, disproportion, dissimilarity, incongruity, unlikeness.
Prepositions:
The analogy between (or of) nature and revelation; the analogy of sound to light; a family has some analogy with (or to) a state.