B2adjective2K

Abstract

UK /["/ˈæbstrækt/"]/US /["/ˈæbstrækt/"]/

Definition

based on general ideas and not on any particular real person, thing or situation

In simple words: Not concrete, hard to understand; relating to ideas rather than physical things.

Examples

  • **abstract knowledge/principles**
  • The research shows that pre-school children are capable of thinking in abstract terms.
  • Abstract principles are no good in this particular situation.
  • All human beings are capable of thinking in abstract terms.
  • We may talk of beautiful things but beauty itself is abstract.
  • Mathematics is an extremely abstract discipline.
  • Some of the ideas that their legal system is based on are incredibly abstract.
  • Freedom is more than a purely abstract notion.
  • the work of American abstract expressionists like Mark Rothko

Usage notes

Use 'abstract' when discussing concepts that are not grounded in the physical world, like ideas or theories. It may not be appropriate in casual conversations about everyday objects.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'absent' in 'abstract'—it's absence from reality, focusing on ideas.

Collocations

  • be
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • be
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • be
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very

Synonyms

  • theoretical
  • conceptual
  • intangible
  • nonrepresentational
  • imprecise

Antonyms

  • concrete
  • literal
  • tangible

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'abstract' with 'abstracted', which means distracted.
  • Using 'abstract' as a noun instead of an adjective.
  • Assuming all art labeled as 'abstract' is difficult to understand.