1. An investigation of the component parts of a whole and their relations in making up the whole
   "The scientist conducted a detailed analysis of the compound's chemical structure"
    
2. The abstract separation of a whole into its constituent parts in order to study the parts and their relations
   "The scientist used analysis to break down the complex problem into manageable components";
   - analytic thinking
    
3. A form of literary criticism in which the structure of a piece of writing is analysed
   "The students performed a detailed analysis of the poem's rhyme scheme and meter"
    
4. (mathematics) a branch of mathematics involving calculus and the theory of limits; sequences and series and integration and differentiation
   "The course in mathematical analysis covered topics from basic calculus to advanced integration techniques"
    
5. A set of techniques for exploring underlying motives and a method of treating various mental disorders; based on the theories of Sigmund Freud
   "She underwent analysis to help deal with childhood trauma";
   - psychoanalysis, depth psychology
    
6. The use of closed-class words instead of inflections: e.g., 'the father of the bride' instead of 'the bride's father'
   "The linguist explained how English relies on analysis more than synthetic languages"

Derived forms: analyses

Type of: abstract thought, calculus, criticism, expressive style, infinitesimal calculus, investigating, investigation, literary criticism, logical thinking, psychotherapy, reasoning, style

Antonym: synthesis

Encyclopedia: Analysis, Philosophical