analogy

(noun) an inference that if things agree in some respects they probably agree in others.

(noun) drawing a comparison in order to show a similarity in some respect. Examples: "The operation of a computer presents and interesting analogy to the working of the brain." "The models show by analogy how matter is built up."

(noun) the religious belief that between creature and creator no similarity can be found so great but that the dissimilarity is always greater; any analogy between God and humans will always be inadequate. Synonyms: doctrine of analogy.