Concept of Analogies | English For Law Entrances

As law aspirants, you might encounter various challenging subjects and complex concepts that can often overwhelm you. Fear not, for there is a powerful tool that can help you unravel these mysteries and make learning more enjoyable and accessible. 

Understanding the Concept of Analogies

Analogies are like bridges that connect the known to the unknown. They establish relationships between two sets of terms to help us better comprehend unfamiliar ideas. Just like how you might relate to two friends based on shared hobbies or interests, analogies link two seemingly unrelated concepts by highlighting their similarities.

Types of Analogies

Analogies come in various types, each serving a unique purpose in connecting different sets of terms and enhancing our understanding of complex concepts. Let’s explore the main types of analogies:

Synonym Analogies

Synonym analogies establish a relationship between two sets of synonymous terms, meaning they have similar or identical meanings.

Example:

Base: Target:: Base relationship: Target relationship

Happy: Joyful:: Sad: Unhappy

In this analogy, “happy” and “joyful” are synonyms, as are “sad” and “unhappy.” The analogy highlights the relationship of similarity between these synonymous terms.

Antonym Analogies

Antonym analogies demonstrate a relationship between two sets of terms that are antonyms, meaning they have opposite meanings.

Example:

Base: Target:: Base relationship: Target relationship

Up: Down:: Hot: Cold

Here, “up” and “down” are antonyms, as are “hot” and “cold.” The analogy emphasises the contrasting relationship between the base and target terms.

Part-to-Whole Analogies

Part-to-whole analogies establish a relationship between a part and its corresponding whole entity.

Example:

Base: Target:: Base relationship: Target relationship

Leaf: Tree:: Brick: Wall

In this analogy, a “leaf” is part of a “tree,” just as a “brick” is part of a “wall.” The analogy shows the connection between a component and its larger structure.

Degree Analogies

Degree analogies establish a relationship based on the degree or intensity of quality or property.

Example:

Base: Target:: Base relationship: Target relationship

Warm: Hot:: Cool: Cold

Here, “warm” is less intense than “hot,” just as “cool” is less intense than “cold.” The analogy emphasises the varying degrees of a specific characteristic.

Function Analogies

Function analogies establish a relationship between two sets of terms based on their roles or functions.

Example:

Base: Target:: Base relationship: Target relationship

Teacher: Educate:: Doctor: Heal

In this analogy, a “teacher” performs the function of educating, similar to how a “doctor” performs the function of healing. The analogy focuses on the roles or purposes of the base and target terms.

Cause-and-Effect Analogies

Cause-and-effect analogies demonstrate a cause-effect relationship between two sets of terms.

Example:

Base: Target :: Base relationship: Target relationship

Rain: Flood :: Fire: Destruction

In this analogy, “rain” causes a “flood,” just as “fire” causes “destruction.” The analogy highlights the cause-effect relationship between the base and target terms.

Symbol Analogies

Symbol analogies establish a relationship between real-life symbols and their meanings.

Example:

Base: Target :: Base relationship: Target relationship

Red light: Stop :: Green light: Go

Here, the “red light” symbolises “stop,” while the “green light” symbolises “go.” The analogy demonstrates the relationship between symbols and their associated meanings.