Analysis vs. Explanation: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Analysis involves detailed examination of elements or structure, while explanation is the process of making something clear or understandable.
Key Differences
Analysis is the process of breaking down a complex topic or substance into smaller parts to understand its structure and components. Explanation involves describing, clarifying, or making something understandable, often by detailing the causes or reasons behind it.
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Nov 29, 2023
In analysis, the focus is on examining and interpreting data, situations, or texts to draw conclusions or understand patterns. Explanation is more about providing a clear and understandable account or justification for something.
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Analysis often involves critical thinking and the use of specific methodologies to dissect and understand a subject deeply. Explanation, on the other hand, is centered on conveying information in a way that is easily comprehensible to others.
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While analysis is typically a more formal and structured approach to understanding, explanation is more informal and is often used in everyday conversation to make things clear or to justify actions and decisions.
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Analysis is key in research and academic studies, requiring detailed examination and interpretation. Explanation is essential in teaching, communication, and everyday interactions, focusing on making concepts or situations clear to others.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Detailed examination of elements or structure
Making something clear or understandable
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Focus
Interpreting data, patterns, structure
Clarifying, describing, justifying
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Methodology
Often involves specific techniques and critical thinking
Relies on clear communication and understanding
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Purpose
To understand or draw conclusions
To convey understanding or justification
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Analysis and Explanation Definitions
Analysis
Critical assessment of data or information.
Her analysis of the novel provided a deeper understanding of its themes.
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Explanation
Describing or justifying something.
He gave a detailed explanation for his late arrival.
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Analysis
Detailed investigation or examination.
Financial analysis is crucial for investment decisions.
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Explanation
Providing reasons or causes.
The teacher's explanation of the concept clarified student doubts.
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Analysis
Study of elements to understand relationships and functions.
His analysis of the historical events led to a new theory.
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Explanation
Communicating to make something understandable.
The guide's explanation of the site's history was fascinating.
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Analysis
The separation of an intellectual or material whole into its constituent parts for individual study.
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Explanation
Making something clear or easy to understand.
Her explanation of the process made it easy for everyone to follow.
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Analysis
The study of such constituent parts and their interrelationships in making up a whole.
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Explanation
Clarifying understanding.
The doctor's explanation helped the patient understand the treatment plan.
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Analysis
A spoken or written presentation of such study
Published an analysis of poetic meter.
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Explanation
The act or process of explaining
Launched into a detailed explanation.
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Analysis
The separation of a substance into its constituent elements to determine either their nature (qualitative analysis) or their proportions (quantitative analysis).
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Explanation
Something that explains
That was supposedly the explanation for their misdeeds.
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Analysis
A branch of mathematics principally involving differential and integral calculus, sequences, and series and concerned with limits and convergence.
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Explanation
The act or process of explaining.
The explanation was long and drawn-out.
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Analysis
The method of proof in which a known truth is sought as a consequence of a series of deductions from that which is the thing to be proved.
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Explanation
Something that explains, makes understandable.
An explanation for the UFO sightings was easily found.
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Analysis
(Linguistics) The use of function words such as prepositions, pronouns, or auxiliary verbs instead of inflectional endings to express a grammatical relationship; for example, the cover of the dictionary instead of the dictionary's cover.
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Explanation
A resolution of disputed points pursuant to discussion; a mutual clarification of disputed points; reconciliation.
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Explanation
The act of explaining, expounding, or interpreting; the act of clearing from obscurity and making intelligible; as, the explanation of a passage in Scripture, or of a contract or treaty.
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Explanation
That which explains or makes clear; as, a satisfactory explanation.
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Analysis
(countable) Decomposition into components in order to study (a complex thing, concept, theory etc.).
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Explanation
The meaning attributed to anything by one who explains it; definition; interpretation; sense.
Different explanations [of the Trinity].
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Explanation
A mutual exposition of terms, meaning, or motives, with a view to adjust a misunderstanding, and reconcile differences; reconciliation; agreement; as, to come to an explanation.
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Analysis
The mathematical study of functions, sequences, series, limits, derivatives and integrals.
Mathematical analysis
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Explanation
A statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.;
The explanation was very simple
I expected a brief account
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Analysis
The process of breaking down a substance into its constituent parts, or the result of this process.
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Explanation
The act of explaining; making something plain or intelligible;
I heard his explanation of the accident
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Analysis
The analytical study of melodies, harmonies, sequences, repetitions, variations, quotations, juxtapositions, and surprises.
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Analysis
A resolution of anything, whether an object of the senses or of the intellect, into its constituent or original elements; an examination of the component parts of a subject, each separately, as the words which compose a sentence, the tones of a tune, or the simple propositions which enter into an argument. It is opposed to synthesis.
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Analysis
The separation of a compound substance, by chemical processes, into its constituents, with a view to ascertain either (a) what elements it contains, or (b) how much of each element is present. The former is called qualitative, and the latter quantitative analysis.
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Analysis
The tracing of things to their source, and the resolving of knowledge into its original principles.
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Analysis
The resolving of problems by reducing the conditions that are in them to equations.
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Analysis
A syllabus, or table of the principal heads of a discourse, disposed in their natural order.
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Analysis
The process of ascertaining the name of a species, or its place in a system of classification, by means of an analytical table or key.
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Analysis
An investigation of the component parts of a whole and their relations in making up the whole
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Analysis
The abstract separation of a whole into its constituent parts in order to study the parts and their relations
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Analysis
A form of literary criticism in which the structure of a piece of writing is analyzed
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Analysis
The use of closed-class words instead of inflections: e.g., `the father of the bride' instead of `the bride's father'
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Analysis
A branch of mathematics involving calculus and the theory of limits; sequences and series and integration and differentiation
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Analysis
A set of techniques for exploring underlying motives and a method of treating various mental disorders; based on the theories of Sigmund Freud;
His physician recommended psychoanalysis
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Analysis
Examination of components or structure of a subject.
The analysis of the survey data revealed new insights.
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Analysis
Breaking down a complex topic to understand its parts.
The scientist's analysis of the sample confirmed their hypothesis.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is analysis?
Analysis is the detailed examination of something to understand its structure or elements.
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What does explanation mean?
Explanation is the process of making something clear or understandable.
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Can analysis lead to explanations?
Yes, analysis often provides the basis for explanations.
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What makes a good explanation?
Clarity, simplicity, and relevance to the audience's understanding.
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Are analysis and explanation mutually exclusive?
No, they often work together but serve different purposes.
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Can analysis be subjective?
While it aims for objectivity, interpretation in analysis can introduce subjectivity.
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Is explanation always based on analysis?
Not always; explanations can be based on observations or known facts without formal analysis.
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What skills are important for analysis?
Critical thinking, attention to detail, and methodological skills.
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What tools are used in analysis?
Depends on the field; can range from software to conceptual frameworks.
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Why is explanation important in teaching?
It helps in breaking down complex ideas into understandable segments.
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Is data analysis different from other types of analysis?
Yes, it specifically focuses on interpreting numerical data.
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How is analysis used in science?
To dissect complex phenomena and understand underlying mechanisms.
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How do cultural differences impact explanations?
They can influence how information is interpreted and conveyed.
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How can explanations be improved?
Through clear language, relevant examples, and considering the audience's perspective.
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Is analysis only used in academic settings?
No, it's used in various fields like business, science, and technology.
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What's the role of analysis in decision-making?
It provides a foundation for informed and rational decisions.
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Do explanations require expertise?
Not always, but expertise can enhance the accuracy and depth of explanations.
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Can anyone give an explanation?
Yes, but the effectiveness depends on their knowledge and communication skills.
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How does one learn to analyze effectively?
Through practice, education, and developing critical and analytical thinking skills.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.