Plural of analysis; detailed examinations or studies of complex topics broken down into simpler components. Systematic investigations to understand structure, function, or meaning.
From Greek analysis meaning 'a breaking up' or 'loosening,' from ana- 'up, throughout' and lysis 'a loosening.' Entered English through Latin in the 16th century, originally used in logic and mathematics.
The word shares its Greek root with 'paralysis'—both involve 'loosening,' but analysis loosens problems to solve them while paralysis loosens control. In ancient Greece, analysis was considered the opposite of synthesis, creating a fundamental duality in human thinking.
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