analyse

Everyday

1. To look at something closely and carefully, part by part, to understand it. tree →
2. (science, maths) To study data, results or a sample to find patterns or what it is made of. tree →
3. (school) To examine a poem, story or text to explain how it works and what it means. tree →

In the lessons

Very common in school: analyse the data, analyse a poem, analyse the results of an experiment. It tells the reader to think carefully, not just look quickly. In maths, analyse a graph means read it and explain the patterns. Phrases: analyse the results, analyse data, carefully analyse.

Examples

• We analysed the results of our plant experiment. tree →
• Analyse the graph and say which month was the wettest. tree →
• The scientist analysed the water to see if it was clean. tree →
• In English we analysed how the poet uses rhyme. tree →
• The coach analysed the video to see where we went wrong. tree →
• Let's analyse the problem step by step. tree →
• The police analysed the fingerprints on the glass. tree →

Note

UK, Irish, Australian, NZ spelling: analyse; US and often Canada: analyze. Noun: analysis (plural analyses); person: analyst; adjective: analytical. Exam questions saying "analyse" want reasons and detail, not just a description.