Noun

Singular analysis

Plural countable and uncountable; plural analyses

analysis (countable and uncountable; plural analyses)

1. (countable, context, of a thing, concept, theory, etc.) The process of dismantling or separating into constituent elements in order to study the nature, function, or meaning; the result of this process.
2. (uncountable, mathematics) The mathematical study of functions, sequences, series, limits, derivatives and integrals.
3. (countable, logic) Proof by deduction from known truths.
4. (countable, chemistry) The process of breaking down a substance into its constituent parts, or the result of this process.
5. (countable, psychology) Psychoanalysis.

Antonyms

• synthesis

Derived terms

• analysis of algorithms
• analysis of variance
• aura analysis
• bowling analysis
• chemical analysis
• competitive analysis
• complex analysis
• computer program analysis
• cost-benefit analysis
• cryptanalysis
• dimensional analysis
• discourse analysis
• finite element analysis
• frequency analysis
• functional analysis
• fundamentals analysis
• harmonic analysis

• independent components analysis
• infinitesimal analysis
• isotope analysis
• lexical analysis
• life cycle cost analysis
• link quality analysis
• lithic analysis
• logical analysis
• meta-analysis
• musical analysis
• neutron activation analysis
• nonstandard analysis
• numerical analysis
• object-oriented analysis and design
• path quality analysis
• principal components analysis
• psychoanalysis

• real analysis
• Schenkerian analysis
• semantic analysis
• spectral analysis
• static code analysis
• statistical analysis
• structured analysis
• syntax analysis
• system analysis
• systems analysis
• technical analysis
• time-series analysis
• transactional analysis
• voice analysis

Related terms

• analyse, analyze
• analyst
• analytic

Analysis is the process of breaking a complex topic or substance into smaller parts to gain a better understanding of it. The technique has been applied in the study of mathematics and logic since before Aristotle, though analysis as a formal concept is a relatively recent development.

The word is a transcription of the ancient Greek ἀνάλυσις (analusis), "a breaking up" (from ana- "up, throughout" and lysis "a loosening").

As a formal concept, the method has variously been ascribed to Ibn al-Haytham, René Descartes (Discourse on the Method) and Galileo Galilei. It has also been ascribed to Isaac Newton, in the form of a practical method of physical discovery (which he did not name or formally describe).

Use in specific fields