B2noun2K

Analyst

UK /["/ˈænəlɪst/"]/US /["/ˈænəlɪst/"]/

Definition

a person whose job involves examining facts or materials in order to give an opinion on them

In simple words: A person who studies data to understand or explain it.

Examples

  • a **political/financial analyst**
  • a food/market analyst
  • He's a **senior** research **analyst** at Deutsche Bank.
  • **analysts expect/predict**…
  • City analysts forecast huge profits this year.
  • According to music **industry analysts**, music downloads are set to decline by as much as 30 per cent this year.
  • a leading business analyst
  • She's an investment analyst with a big City firm.
  • This view is backed up by several independent political analysts in Washington.

Usage notes

Commonly used in business and academic contexts. In informal situations, you might refer to an analyst more casually. Avoid using in very casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

analyst + noun (e.g., analyst role)

Memory hint

Think of 'analyze' and add '-ist' for the person who analyzes.

Collocations

  • leading
  • principal
  • senior
  • analyst of

Synonyms

  • examiner
  • evaluator
  • investigator
  • specialist

Antonyms

  • layperson
  • novice
  • amateur
  • ignoramus

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'analysis' (the process) instead of 'analyst' (the person).
  • Using 'analyst' for a non-specialist; not all analysts have the same level of expertise.