a-n-a-l-o-g
ANALOG refers to something that is similar or comparable to something else, or in technical contexts, describes signals that vary continuously rather than in discrete steps. The word comes from Greek "analogos" meaning "proportionate." In word games, ANALOG is a 6-letter word worth 7 base points in Scrabble.
7
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
ANALOG (also spelled "analogue") has two primary meanings. In general usage, it refers to something that is similar, comparable, or corresponding to something else—often used to describe relationships between different systems, processes, or concepts that share structural or functional similarities despite being different in nature or context.
In technical and scientific contexts, analog describes systems, signals, or devices that represent information through continuously variable physical quantities rather than discrete digital values. Analog signals can take any value within a given range and change smoothly over time, unlike digital signals which represent information as distinct on/off or high/low states.
The concept of analogy underlying this word is fundamental to human reasoning and learning. We understand new concepts by relating them to familiar ones, making analogies essential tools for education, problem-solving, and creative thinking. When scientists describe the atom as being "like a solar system" or economists talk about the "flow" of money, they're using analogical thinking to make complex ideas accessible.
The word analog comes from the Greek "analogos" (ἀνάλογος), meaning "proportionate," "according to ratio," or "corresponding." It's formed from "ana-" (according to, up to) + "logos" (ratio, proportion, reason). The Greek "logos" is the same root that gives us "logic," "dialogue," and "-ology" suffixes in words like "biology."
The word entered English in the early 19th century, initially used in logic and mathematics to describe proportional relationships and reasoning by comparison. The technical meaning relating to continuously variable signals emerged in the mid-20th century with the development of electronic systems, distinguishing analog devices from digital ones.
The alternative spelling "analogue" is more common in British English and reflects the French influence on English vocabulary. Both spellings are correct, with "analog" being preferred in American English, especially in technical contexts, while "analogue" is often used for the general meaning of "something similar or comparable."
In electronics, analog circuits process continuously varying signals. Examples include amplifiers, filters, and oscillators. Analog systems excel at handling real-world signals like sound, temperature, and light, which naturally vary smoothly rather than in discrete steps.
Analog audio equipment like vinyl records and tape recorders capture sound as continuous physical variations. Many musicians and audiophiles prefer analog equipment for its perceived "warmth" and natural handling of sound dynamics, though digital systems offer practical advantages.
Many scientific instruments use analog measurements—thermometers with mercury columns, pressure gauges with needle indicators, and oscilloscopes displaying waveforms. These provide immediate visual feedback about continuously changing phenomena.
Today's technology often combines both approaches—analog sensors capture real-world signals, which are then converted to digital for processing, storage, and transmission, before being converted back to analog for human interaction through speakers, displays, or other output devices.
Beyond technical contexts, "analog" has become a metaphor for things that are continuous, gradual, or natural rather than discrete or artificial. People speak of "analog thinking" versus "digital thinking," or describe handwritten letters as "analog communication" compared to text messages.
Despite the digital revolution, there's been a cultural revival of analog technologies—vinyl records, film photography, and mechanical watches. This represents a desire for tangible, continuous experiences in an increasingly digital world.
In education and problem-solving, analog reasoning remains crucial. Students learn new concepts by finding analogies to familiar ones, and researchers often discover breakthroughs by recognizing analogous patterns between different fields of study.
•ANALOG contains valuable letters including G (2 points), making it worth 7 base points in Scrabble
•The first analog computers were mechanical devices like the ancient Greek Antikythera mechanism (circa 100 BCE)
•Your brain is essentially an analog computer, processing information through continuously varying electrical and chemical signals
•The word "analog" appeared in English around 1826, initially used in mathematical and logical contexts
"The scientist found an analog for the new chemical process in biological systems."
— Scientific context
"The engineer preferred analog circuits for the audio amplifier design."
— Technical context
"Playing ANALOG on a double word score gave me 14 points!"
— Word game context
"Her handwriting is the analog equivalent of digital text—personal and continuous."
— Metaphorical context
Similar length and difficulty words
Total base points: 7 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 3 (A, A, O) | Consonants: 3 (N, L, G)
Pattern: VCVCVC (Vowel-Consonant-Vowel-Consonant-Vowel-Consonant)
Strategic value: Good vowel-consonant balance for board connections
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like ANALOG