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analysis

n.
US //əˈnæɫəsəs// UK //ɐnˈæləsˌɪs// anal·y·sis
  1. 1 careful study (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Academic

    the process of looking at something carefully to understand how it works or what it means.

    the detailed examination of the elements or structure of something, typically as a basis for discussion or interpretation.

    Example

    The teacher gave us a detailed analysis of the poem we read in class.

    Example

    A thorough analysis of the market trends suggests that consumer confidence is slowly returning to pre-recession levels.

    Usage

    Often used with the verbs 'conduct', 'perform', or 'carry out'.
    Pitfall
    The scientist did an analysis for the water.
    The scientist did an analysis of the water.

    Use the preposition 'of' to show what is being studied.

  2. 2 a report or result (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    a report or explanation that comes from studying something.

    a statement or report of the results of a detailed study.

    Example

    I read an interesting analysis of the election results in the newspaper.

    Example

    The final analysis provided by the consultants highlighted several structural weaknesses in the company's supply chain.

    Usage

    The plural form is 'analyses', pronounced with a long 'ee' sound at the end.
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  1. 3 chemical testing (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    testing a substance to find out what it is made of.

    the process of separating a substance into its constituent parts to identify its composition.

    Example

    The lab sent back the analysis of the blood sample this morning.

    Example

    Chemical analysis revealed traces of heavy metals in the soil samples collected near the industrial site.
  2. 4 mathematics (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Math

    a branch of math that deals with limits and changing numbers.

    a branch of mathematics involving the theory of functions, sequences, and limits, originating from calculus.

    Example

    Students in the advanced math class are studying real analysis this semester.

    Example

    Functional analysis provides the mathematical framework necessary for understanding quantum mechanics and signal processing.

  3. 5 psychoanalysis (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Technical Medicine

    a way of treating mental health by talking about deep feelings and the past.

    a method of treating mental disorders by investigating the interaction of conscious and unconscious elements in the mind.

    Example

    He has been in analysis for two years to deal with his anxiety.

    Example

    The patient's progress in analysis was slow but steady as they uncovered repressed memories from early childhood.
Origin

From Medieval Latin analysis, from Ancient Greek ἀνάλυσις (análusis), from ἀναλύω (analúō, “I unravel, investigate”), from ἀνα- (ana-, “thoroughly”) + λύω (lúō, “I loosen”).

Word family

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