abstract
adjective
UKˈæb.stræktUSˈæb.strækt
existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence
Example Sentences
Her abstract thinking helped her solve complex problems quickly.
The painting was an abstract representation of the artist’s emotional state.
The discussion centered around abstract notions of morality, leaving most participants somewhat puzzled by the lack of tangible examples.
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noun (countable)
UKˈæb.stræktUSˈæb.strækt
a summary of the contents of a book, article, or formal speech
Example Sentences
He provided an abstract of his research paper at the conference.
Reading the abstract can help you decide whether the article is relevant to your study.
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verb (transitive)
UKæbˈstræktUSæbˈstrækt
to remove or extract something, or to summarize key points
Example Sentences
He tried to abstract the main arguments from the lengthy discussion.
To protect sensitive data, the researcher decided to abstract certain personal details from the dataset.
The design team needed to abstract several core features from the prototype to make the final product more user-friendly and efficient.
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How to Use
A concept or quality separate from concrete reality, often theoretical or intangible.The Versatility of the Word "Abstract"
The word "abstract" can function as a noun, adjective, or verb, depending on the context.
As a Noun
As a noun, it can denote a summary of a larger work, such as an article or report, giving a concise overview of essential points. For example, in academic writing, an abstract summarizes research and highlights findings, allowing readers to gauge the content’s relevance.
As an Adjective
When used as an adjective, "abstract" describes ideas or qualities that are not tangible or physically concrete—like concepts, emotions, or theoretical frameworks. For instance, saying "an abstract idea" implies it is not rooted in immediate physical reality but in thought or theory.
As a Verb
As a verb, "abstract" refers to the action of removing or separating something from its original context, often to isolate the key aspects or to focus on overarching principles. For example, you might use "to abstract something" when you extract crucial information from a document to distill it to its essence.
Key Considerations When Using "Abstract"
- Be mindful of clarity when using "abstract." If you’re describing something as abstract, ensure your audience understands the conceptual or intangible nature you imply.
- In formal contexts, "abstract" can convey intellect and sophistication.
- In casual conversation, it might simply mean that something is not straightforward or is hard to pin down tangibly.
Alternatives
When searching for alternatives, consider words like “conceptual,” “intangible,” or “theoretical” if you want to emphasize the idea’s non-physical nature. “Conceptual” draws attention to the framework or mental construction of an idea. “Intangible” underlines the fact that something cannot be touched or physically measured, which is particularly useful for describing qualities like emotions, feelings, or principles. Meanwhile, “theoretical” indicates that the idea is hypothetical or based on speculation rather than direct observation.If you need to convey the sense of an idea being vague or difficult to grasp, you could use “esoteric” or “obscure.” Both imply a sense of complexity that requires specialized knowledge or insight to understand. For a more artistic vibe, “ethereal” can suggest something almost spiritual or heavenly in its intangibility. And in everyday conversation, “nonconcrete” or “notional” may serve if you prefer a simpler alternative that still conveys the meaning of not being rooted in the physical world.Choosing the right synonym depends on your context—formal, academic, artistic, or casual—and on the specific nuance you wish to convey.
Writing
When writing about topics that are not strictly tangible, the concept of describing intangible or theoretical elements often arises. Using this word or its synonyms helps you differentiate between concrete, factual statements and more speculative or broad-ranging ideas. When drafting essays, articles, or research papers that involve intangible qualities—like emotions, societal constructs, or theoretical frameworks—you can use terms denoting these nonphysical concepts to clarify that you’re dealing with thought-based or idea-driven subject matter.In writing, clarity remains paramount. Even if the subject is inherently abstract, aim to provide enough examples or contextual details to help readers anchor your points. Offer analogies or case studies to illustrate the intangible idea, bridging the gap between concept and comprehension. Consistency also matters; if you start by referring to an idea as abstract, continue to treat it consistently, using synonyms sparingly but effectively. By balancing conceptual language with tangible examples, your writing will appeal to both analytical and imaginative readers.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, this word typically means something hard to pin down or not easily pictured. You might say a friend’s explanation of a problem feels a bit unclear or intangible, which conveys that it’s an idea rather than a concrete fact. If someone tells you, “That’s pretty abstract,” they might mean it’s too theoretical or vague for practical use, or that they simply don’t grasp it fully.You can use the word when discussing art that doesn’t depict recognizable objects or when talking about complicated theories in everyday life. Rather than delving deeply into academic definitions, focus on expressing that the subject is outside normal, easily explained boundaries. Feel free to pair the term with concrete examples—“It’s abstract, like trying to describe the taste of a color”—to help others relate to what you’re trying to convey. In day-to-day settings, the idea is to keep things light and approachable, using the term as a shorthand for “not straightforward” or “theoretical.”
Etymology
The word ultimately traces back to the Latin verb “abstrahere,” meaning “to draw away” or “to detach.” From there, Latin produced “abstractus,” which passed into French and then English, where it took on the sense of separating ideas from physical or specific instances. This notion of pulling something away from its original context is deeply connected to its modern use as both an adjective and a verb—describing intangible qualities or the act of extracting key points.Over time, the term gained significance in academic and artistic fields, referring to theoretical, intangible ideas or creative expressions not anchored in literal representation. Abstract painting, for example, focuses on form and color to evoke emotion rather than depicting the real world. Similarly, an abstract in academic writing succinctly pulls out the essence of a study. These varied uses highlight the flexibility and enduring relevance of the term across disciplines.