What is an analogy?

An analogy is a comparison of certain similarities between things which are otherwise unlike.

In education, teachers commonly use analogies to introduce something new to students. They compare the new material to something the students already know and understand.

Here is an example of an analogy:

• A street light is like a star. Both provide light at night, both are in predictable locations, both are overhead, and both serve no function in the daytime.

• Concept module: analogy
• In overview module: Glossary (Literacy): A
• In modular book: Glossary of literacy terms
• In document collection: Reference materials
• In bookshelf: Literacy

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 4.0, published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 1999. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 2 July 1998

© 1999 SIL International