Similar vs. Analogy — What's the Difference?

Having a resemblance in appearance, character, or quantity, without being identical

Analogy (from Greek ἀναλογία, analogia, "proportion", from ana- "upon, according to" [also "against", "anew"] + logos "ratio" [also "word, speech, reckoning"]) is a cognitive process of transferring information or meaning from a particular subject (the analog, or source) to another (the target), or a linguistic expression corresponding to such a process. In a narrower sense, analogy is an inference or an argument from one particular to another particular, as opposed to deduction, induction, and abduction, in which at least one of the premises, or the conclusion, is general rather than particular in nature.

A person or thing similar to another

A comparison between one thing and another, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification

A substance that produces effects resembling the symptoms of particular diseases (the basis of homeopathic treatment)

A similarity in some respects between things that are otherwise dissimilar

Having a resemblance in appearance or nature; alike though not identical.

A comparison based on such similarity

(Mathematics) Having corresponding angles equal and corresponding line segments proportional. Used of geometric figures

(Biology) Correspondence in function or position between organs of dissimilar evolutionary origin or structure.

Having traits or characteristics in common; alike, comparable.

A form of reasoning based on the assumption that if two things are known to be alike in some respects, then they are probably alike in other respects.

(mathematics) Of geometrical figures including triangles, squares, ellipses, arcs and more complex figures, having the same shape but possibly different size, rotational orientation, and position; in particular, having corresponding angles equal and corresponding line segments proportional; such that one can be had from the other using a sequence of rotations, translations and scalings.

(Linguistics) The process by which words or morphemes are re-formed or created on the model of existing grammatical patterns in a language, often leading to greater regularity in paradigms, as evidenced by helped replacing holp and holpen as the past tense and past participle of help on the model of verbs such as yelp, yelped, yelped.

Of two square matrices; being such that a conjugation sends one matrix to the other.

A relationship of resemblance or equivalence between two situations, people, or objects, especially when used as a basis for explanation or extrapolation.

That which is similar to, or resembles, something else, as in quality, form, etc.

(geometry) The proportion or the equality of ratios.

(homeopathy) A material that produces an effect that resembles the symptoms of a particular disease.

(grammar) The correspondence of a word or phrase with the genius of a language, as learned from the manner in which its words and phrases are ordinarily formed; similarity of derivative or inflectional processes.

Exactly corresponding; resembling in all respects; precisely like.

A resemblance of relations; an agreement or likeness between things in some circumstances or effects, when the things are otherwise entirely different. Thus, learning enlightens the mind, because it is to the mind what light is to the eye, enabling it to discover things before hidden.

Nearly corresponding; resembling in many respects; somewhat like; having a general likeness.

A relation or correspondence in function, between organs or parts which are decidedly different.

Homogenous; uniform.

Proportion; equality of ratios.

That which is similar to, or resembles, something else, as in quality, form, etc.

Conformity of words to the genius, structure, or general rules of a language; similarity of origin, inflection, or principle of pronunciation, and the like, as opposed to anomaly.

Marked by correspondence or resemblance;

An inference that if things agree in some respects they probably agree in others

Having the same or similar characteristics;

Drawing a comparison in order to show a similarity in some respect;

Resembling or similar; having the same or some of the same characteristics; often used in combination;

The religious belief that between creature and creator no similarity can be found so great but that the dissimilarity is always greater; language can point in the right direction but any analogy between God and humans will always be inadequate

(of words) expressing closely related meanings

Capable of replacing or changing places with something else;