analogy; for example; if
Meanings
3 senses · 8 examplesverb
to explain or illustrate by analogy; to compare to
Used to make abstract or difficult concepts more concrete and understandable.
The teacher often uses ants moving their nest as an analogy for the importance of teamwork.
Saying he's as stubborn as an ox is a very vivid analogy.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
It's just an analogy, don't take it too literally.
verb
to give an example; for instance
Used to introduce a specific example or instance of what has just been mentioned.
We need to consider many details, for instance, the arrangement of vehicles and the preparation of food.
Learning a language requires various methods, for example, listening more, speaking more, and reading more.
conjunction
if; supposing; for the sake of argument
Used to introduce a hypothetical situation, often to make a polite suggestion or to frame a rhetorical question.
If you had a million dollars, how would you spend it?
If it rains now, our plan will have to be canceled.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
If you asked to borrow it from him, he would probably agree.