How does an analogy facilitate learning vocabulary?

An analogy facilitates learning vocabulary by comparing words that share common similarities, which helps learners make connections between new vocabulary and concepts they already understand. This comparative approach allows students to grasp nuances in meaning and context by relating unfamiliar words to familiar ones. For example, if students learn that "beacon" is to "light" as "mentor" is to "guidance," they can better grasp the function of a beacon by relating it to the concept of mentorship they may already know. This method enhances retention and understanding by situating words within a framework of relationships, rather than presenting them in isolation or through direct definitions alone.