Definitions
01non-digital technology
B2 · Upper Intermediate Computing
adj. using physical signals like moving parts or waves rather than digital computer code.
adj. relating to signals or information represented by a continuously variable physical quantity, such as spatial position or voltage.
“I prefer wearing an analog watch because I like seeing the hands move around the face.”
“The studio engineer insisted on using analog recording equipment to capture the warm harmonic distortion that digital software often fails to replicate.”
Usage
Often contrasted with 'digital' in technical contexts.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02real-world or traditional
C1 · Advanced Informal
adj. relating to real life or traditional ways of doing things instead of using the internet or computers.
adj. pertaining to the physical world or traditional methods as opposed to digital or virtual environments.
“In our digital world, it is nice to have an analog hobby like gardening or painting.”
“Despite the convenience of e-readers, many bibliophiles still crave the analog experience of turning physical pages and smelling the ink on paper.”
Synonyms
03a comparable thing
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Academic
n. something that is similar to something else in a way that allows you to compare them.
n. a person or thing seen as comparable to another; a counterpart that maintains a similar relationship or function.
“The historical event was a close analog to the political crisis we are seeing today.”
“Researchers struggled to find a modern analog for the ancient social structure, as the tribal dynamics did not map neatly onto contemporary urban life.”
Synonyms
04chemical or biological counterpart
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical
n. a chemical that is very similar to another one, or a body part in a different animal that does the same job.
n. a structural derivative of a parent compound; in biology, a structure with a similar function but different evolutionary origin.
Español:análogo
“The scientists tested a new analog of the drug to see if it had fewer side effects.”
“The bird's wing and the insect's wing are biological analogs, performing the same aerodynamic function despite having entirely different ancestral paths.”
Usage
In chemistry, it refers to a molecule with a slightly altered structure.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Regan Dunn The PETM was Earth’s closest natural analog to the warming the world is experiencing today, although humans are releasing carbon dioxide roughly 10 times faster than the planet’s natural processes did then.” “While there is a human analog of CAA, it is relatively rare, which can make funding challenging.” Etymology
First attested in the early 19th century; from French analogue, from Ancient Greek ἀνάλογος (análogos, “proportionate”), from ἀνά (aná, “up to”) + λόγος (lógos, “ratio”). Equivalent to ana- (“functionally similar”) + -log.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/analog
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0