Meaning of abstract in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Definitions
  3. Classifying Adjective
    1. Definitions
  4. Noun
    1. Definitions
  5. Qualitative Adjective
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈæbˌstrækt/

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  1. Verb

    abstract

    Definitions

    1. consider a concept without thinking of a specific example

    Examples

    • « consider abstractly or theoretically »

    Derived terms

  2. 2. make off with belongings of others

    Derived terms

  3. 3. consider apart from a particular case or instance

    Examples

    • « Let's abstract away from this particular example »

    Derived terms

  4. 4. give an abstract (of)

    Derived terms

  5. Classifying Adjective

    abstract

    Definitions

    1. not representing or imitating external reality or the objects of nature

    Examples

    • « a large abstract painting »

    Synonyms

  6. 2. based on specialized theory

    Examples

    • « a theoretical analysis »

    Synonyms

  7. 3. dealing with a subject in the abstract without practical purpose or intention

    Examples

    • « abstract reasoning »
    • « abstract science »

    Synonyms

  8. Noun

    abstract

    Definitions

    1. a concept or idea not associated with any specific instance

    Examples

    • « he loved her only in the abstract--not in person »
  9. 2. a sketchy summary of the main points of an argument or theory

    Derived terms

  10. Qualitative Adjective

    abstract

    Etymology

    Middle English: from Latin abstractus, literally ‘drawn away’, past participle of abstrahere, from ab-‘from’ + trahere‘draw off’

    Definitions

    1. existing only in the mind

    Examples

    • « separated from embodiment »
    • « abstract words like 'truth' and 'justice' »

    Synonyms

    Antonyms

Famous quotes

  • « The more horrifying this world becomes, the more art becomes abstract. »
    Ellen Key
  • « There is no abstract art. You must always start with something. Afterward you can remove all traces of reality. »
    Pablo Picasso
  • « We are all hungry and thirsty for concrete images. Abstract art will have been good for one thing: to restore its exact virginity to figurative art. »
    Salvador Dali
  • « I think more than writers, the major influences on me have been European movies, jazz, and Abstract Expressionism. »
    Don DeLillo
  • « I get satisfaction out of seeing stuff that makes real change in the real world. We need a lot more of that and a lot less abstract stuff. »
    Temple Grandin

See also

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