Analyse

Analyse is a verb meaning to examine something in detail in order to understand it, interpret it, or draw conclusions. It is used across disciplines to break a subject into its components, identify relationships, assess evidence, and evaluate implications. In American English, the spelling is analyze; in British English and most other varieties, analyse is preferred.

Etymology: The word derives from French analyser, via Latin analysare, from Greek analusis meaning a loosening, from ana- “up” + lysis “loosening.”

Usage: It is typically transitive: you analyse data, a problem, a specimen, or an argument. The related noun is analysis; the adjective analytical. In science and research, data analysis uses statistical or computational methods. In literature or philosophy, critical analysis examines assumptions and arguments. There are also specialized forms such as qualitative analysis, quantitative analysis, and meta-analysis.

Examples: “The researchers analysed the sample to determine the concentration.” “The team analysed the results to identify trends.”

See also: analysis, data analysis, analytical thinking.