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Analysis

2 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means detailed examination

Where does the word "analysis" come from? It comes from Greek analysis, adopted directly into English (1580s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
analysis
Greek · ancient
"a loosening up"
Greek, 'ana-', up, plus 'lyein', to loosen
2
Stage 2 of 2
analysis
English · 1580s
"breaking into parts"
'psychoanalysis' dates from the 1900s
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Read the full story

Analysis’s story begins in Greek: analysis meant “a loosening up.” Greek, 'ana-', up, plus 'lyein', to loosen. It reached English by 1580s as analysis. 'psychoanalysis' dates from the 1900s. Today, analysis means detailed examination.