- abstract
- abstracts, abstracting, abstracted(The adjective and noun are pronounced [[t]æ̱bstrækt[/t]]. The verb is pronounced [[t]æbstræ̱kt[/t]].)1) ADJ-GRADED An abstract idea or way of thinking is based on general ideas rather than on real things and events.
...starting with a few abstract principles...
It's not a question of some abstract concept of justice.
...the faculty of abstract reasoning.
Syn:Derived words:abstractly ADV-GRADEDIt is hard to think abstractly in these conditions.
2) PHRASE: PHR with cl/group When you talk or think about something in the abstract, you talk or think about it in a general way, rather than considering particular things or events.Money was a commodity she never thought about except in the abstract.
3) ADJ: ADJ n In grammar, an abstract noun refers to a quality or idea rather than to a physical object....abstract words such as glory, honor, and courage.
Ant:4) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n Abstract art makes use of shapes and patterns rather than showing people or things.A modern abstract painting takes over one complete wall.
Ant:5) N-COUNT An abstract is an abstract work of art.6) N-COUNT: oft N of n An abstract of an article, document, or speech is a short piece of writing that gives the main points of it.Syn:7) VERB If you abstract something from a place, you take it from there. [FORMAL][V n from n] ...a licence to abstract water from the River Axe...
English dictionary. 2008.