What does disanalogy mean?
Disanalogy refers to a difference between two things that are otherwise being compared as if they were alike — especially a difference significant enough to undermine the comparison itself. While an analogy draws strength from points of resemblance, a disanalogy exposes the limits of that resemblance, making it a central concept in logic, philosophy, and law. In philosophical discussions of arguments from analogy, finding a relevant disanalogy is the standard way to challenge the conclusion; in legal reasoning, lawyers argue about whether the differences between a past case and the present one matter enough to change the outcome. The word carries a formal, analytical tone and rarely appears outside scholarly or professional contexts. Its usefulness lies in naming something we often need to say: not merely that two things differ, but that they differ where it counts.
nounA lack of similarity or correspondence between two things that might otherwise be expected to be analogous; a point of relevant difference, especially one that undermines an argument by analogy.
- A relevant point of difference between two cases being compared, especially one that weakens an argument by analogy.
- A general lack of analogy or correspondence between things.
"The judge rejected the comparison, citing a fundamental disanalogy between the two cases."
"The defense lawyer exploited a key disanalogy between her client's case and the precedent the prosecution cited."
"Critics of the metaphor pointed out the obvious disanalogy between an economy and a household budget."
The plural follows the regular pattern for nouns ending in -y preceded by a vowel-less letter, changing -y to -ies.
"The essay catalogued several disanalogies between the two historical periods."
In philosophy of science, a single disanalogy can be enough to sink an entire argument from analogy — which is why logicians hunt for them like detectives.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of disanalogy
Disanalogy is formed from the prefix 'dis-' (indicating negation or reversal), attached to 'analogy'. 'Analogy' derives from Greek 'analogia' (proportion, correspondence), built on 'ana-' ('according to') and 'logos' ('ratio, relation'), and entered English via Latin 'analogia'. The derivative 'disanalogy' emerged much later, in English philosophical and logical writing, to name the breakdown of an analogy rather than its presence.
How disanalogy is actually used
Formal and academic in register; most at home in philosophy, law, logic, and scholarly argument. It is typically used with modifiers like 'relevant', 'crucial', or 'obvious', since identifying which differences matter is precisely the point. The plural 'disanalogies' is common in academic prose.
Easily confused with disanalogy
An analogy asserts a similarity between things, while a disanalogy identifies a relevant difference that weakens or breaks such a comparison.