← Dictionary

analytical

/ˌæn.əˈlɪt.ɪ.kəl/
IELTSAcademic
adjective

Using careful study and clear reasoning to understand something. An analytical person or approach breaks a problem into parts to examine it closely.

  • She has an analytical mind.
  • We need an analytical approach to this problem.
  • The report gives an analytical view of the data.

Adinary Nuance

Analytical is close to practical, logical, and critical, but it focuses on careful examination and breaking things into parts. It suggests methodical thinking, not just smart ideas. In academic and business writing, analytical sounds more precise than smart or intelligent.

In other languages

Vietnamese
phân tích
Spanish
analítico
Chinese
分析的
Japanese
分析的な
Korean
분석적인

Etymology

Analytical comes from Late Latin analyticus, from Greek analytikos, meaning “able to break up.” It entered English in the 16th century.

Common phrases

analytical skillsanalytical thinkinganalytical approachanalytical mind

Synonyms

Related words

Frequently asked questions

Is analytical a formal word?
Yes. It is common in academic, professional, and test-writing contexts.
What is the difference between analytical and logical?
Logical means based on clear reasoning. Analytical means examining something carefully in parts.
Can I say analytical person?
Yes. It means a person who thinks carefully and examines details.
Is analytical useful for IELTS writing?
Yes. It is a good word for describing careful thinking, data, and problem-solving.