What does analysis mean?
Analysis is the process of examining something closely by breaking it down into its constituent parts in order to understand its nature, structure, or meaning. It applies across nearly every field of intellectual endeavor: a scientist may run an analysis of a water sample, a critic may offer an analysis of a novel, and an economist may publish an analysis of market trends. The word carries a connotation of rigor, objectivity, and methodical care, distinguishing it from casual opinion or superficial observation. Its plural is 'analyses', and it forms a rich family of related terms including 'analyst', 'analytical', and the verbs 'analyze' (US) and 'analyse' (UK). Derived from the Greek for 'a loosening up' or 'breaking up', analysis entered English in the sixteenth century through scholarly Latin. It stands in productive contrast with synthesis, which combines parts into a whole; together, the two describe the complementary halves of systematic thinking, making analysis one of the most indispensable words in educated discourse.
Detailed examination of the elements or structure of something, typically as a basis for discussion, interpretation, or decision-making.
"The report's analysis of traffic patterns suggested a new route for the highway."
Commonly used in academic, scientific, business, and journalistic contexts; takes the plural 'analyses'.
In chemistry, the process of separating a substance into its components to determine its composition.
"Chemical analysis confirmed the presence of iron in the ore."
In mathematics, the branch dealing with continuous change, including limits, differentiation, integration, and related topics.
"Real analysis is often considered one of the most demanding courses in an undergraduate mathematics degree."
The standard plural of analysis is 'analyses'. Because the word ends in '-sis', the plural follows the Greek-derived pattern of changing the final syllable to '-ses', like 'crises' and 'theses'.
"The lab published three separate analyses of the soil samples."
The word 'analysis' literally means 'loosening up' — ancient Greek thinkers pictured breaking things apart as undoing a knot, which is why scientists still call it taking something apart to understand it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of analysis
Analysis derives from the Greek noun 'analysis', meaning 'a breaking up' or 'a loosening', formed from 'ana-' ('up' or 'throughout') and 'lysis' ('a loosing'), itself from the verb 'lyein', 'to loosen or dissolve'. The term passed into Latin as a learned borrowing and entered English in the mid-sixteenth century, initially in mathematical and logical contexts before broadening into general use. It shares this Greek root with a family of scientific terms such as electrolysis, dialysis, and paralysis, all of which involve some notion of loosening, dissolving, or releasing.
Related word forms
How analysis is actually used
Analysis is a formal, neutral word common in academic, scientific, journalistic, and business writing. The plural is 'analyses'. In American English, the verb form is usually spelled 'analyze', while British English prefers 'analyse'; the noun spelling is identical in both varieties.
Easily confused with analysis
'Analyses' is the plural form of 'analysis', used when referring to multiple separate examinations rather than a single one.