# analyze

/ˈænəˌɫaɪz/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/analyze
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to study in detail

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic · American English

to look at something very carefully to find out more about it.

For teachers: to examine something methodically and in detail, typically in order to explain or interpret it.

- The scientists need to analyze the water samples to make sure they are safe.
- The researchers spent months trying to analyze the data collected during the clinical trials to determine if the new drug was effective.

Usage: Often followed by a noun phrase representing the object of study; frequently used in passive constructions in academic writing.

Teaching tip: Note the spelling difference: 'analyze' is the standard American form, while 'analyse' is used in British English.

## Examples

- The scientists analyze the water samples to check for pollution.
- The marketing team will analyze the recent sales data to see which products are performing best this quarter.
- Before committing to the merger, the board hired an independent firm to analyze the competitor's financial liabilities and project their long-term market viability.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.