SKIP TO CONTENT

analytical

/ˈænəˌlɪdɪkəl/
/ænəˈlɪtɪkəl/
IPA guide

What do Sherlock Holmes and Albert Einstein have in common? (No, this is not the start of a joke.) They were both analytical — meaning they were good at breaking down problems into smaller parts to find solutions.

The adjective, analytical, and the related verb analyze can both be traced back to the Greek verb, analyein — "to break up, to loosen." If you are analytical, you are good at taking a problem or task and breaking it down into smaller elements in order to solve the problem or complete the task. The opposite type of problem-solving is called the intuitive approach in which a person senses the correct action to take without proof or reasoning. Analytic can be substituted for analytical in this sense.

Definitions of analytical
  1. adjective
    using or skilled in using analysis (i.e., separating a whole--intellectual or substantial--into its elemental parts or basic principles)
    analytical reasoning”
    “an analytical mind”
    synonyms: analytic
  2. adjective
    of a proposition that is necessarily true independent of fact or experience
    synonyms: analytic
    a priori
    involving deductive reasoning from a general principle to a necessary effect; not supported by fact
    deductive
    involving inferences from general principles
    logical
    capable of or reflecting the capability for correct and valid reasoning
Pronunciation
US
/ˈænəˌlɪdɪkəl/
UK
/ænəˈlɪtɪkəl/
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘analytical'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family