analogically

Analogically is an adverb meaning in a manner based on analogy or by using an analogy. It derives from analogical, which relates to an analogy or to similarities between two cases. The term is used in philosophy, science, linguistics, and rhetoric to indicate that reasoning, explanation, or description relies on comparing similar relationships rather than on direct identity.

Analogically is commonly used with phrases such as analogical reasoning, an analogy, or described analogically. For example: “The exhibitor explained the mechanism analogically by comparing it to a water pump.” More abstractly, one may argue analogically: “If X is to Y as A is to B, then X and A share a similar relational structure.”

Analogical reasoning can suggest hypotheses and provide intuition, but it can also mislead if the compared relations do not hold in relevant respects. Thus, analogical arguments are typically considered persuasive rather than conclusive.