analogical
Like reasoning by similarity
Analogical describes something based on or involving analogy—reasoning from parallel cases or similar relationships.
An analogical argument draws conclusions about one thing based on its resemblance to another: The analogical leap from animal studies to human medicine requires caution.
Analogical thinking underlies much of how we learn and solve problems, mapping familiar patterns onto unfamiliar situations.
Equidistant at all points
- equivalenceState of being equal
- proportionalScaled to match another
- homologousHaving shared evolutionary origin
- correlativeMutually dependent counterpart
akin · counterpart · equivalent · congruent · isomorphic · correspondence · similarity · likeness
Symbolic rather than literal
- allegoricalExpressing meaning through symbols
- symbolicRepresenting through signs
- figurativeRepresenting through imagery
- emblematicServing as a symbol
parable · allegory · imagery · allusive · suggestive · evocative · representational · illustrative
Conclusion reached through reasoning
- inductionFormal admission process
- deductionConclusion from premises
- extrapolationExtending data beyond bounds
- logicalBased on valid reasoning
heuristic · syllogistic · pattern recognition · problem-solving · transfer · generalization · precedent · systematic
parallel
Equidistant at all points
- equivalenceState of being equal
- proportionalScaled to match another
- homologousHaving shared evolutionary origin
correlative · akin · counterpart · equivalent · congruent · isomorphic · correspondence · similarity · likeness · comparison
metaphorical
Symbolic rather than literal
- allegoricalExpressing meaning through symbols
- symbolicRepresenting through signs
- figurativeRepresenting through imagery
emblematic · parable · allegory · imagery · allusive · suggestive · evocative · representational · illustrative · extended metaphor
inference
Conclusion reached through reasoning
- inductionFormal admission process
- deductionConclusion from premises
- extrapolationExtending data beyond bounds
logical · heuristic · syllogistic · pattern recognition · problem-solving · transfer · generalization · precedent · systematic · cognitive
analogicaldeductive
Deriving specifics from generals
logical · inductive · empirical · syllogistic · analytical
analogicalliteral
Meaning exactly what's said
direct · explicit · straightforward · unmediated · plain