ABSTRACT
Dictionary entry overview: What does abstract mean?
• ABSTRACT (noun)
The noun ABSTRACT has 2 senses:
1. a concept or idea not associated with any specific instance
2. a sketchy summary of the main points of an argument or theory
Familiarity information: ABSTRACT used as a noun is rare.
• ABSTRACT (adjective)
The adjective ABSTRACT has 3 senses:
1. existing only in the mind; separated from embodiment
2. not representing or imitating external reality or the objects of nature
3. dealing with a subject in the abstract without practical purpose or intention
Familiarity information: ABSTRACT used as an adjective is uncommon.
• ABSTRACT (verb)
The verb ABSTRACT has 4 senses:
1. consider a concept without thinking of a specific example; consider abstractly or theoretically
2. make off with belongings of others
3. consider apart from a particular case or instance
4. give an abstract (of)
Familiarity information: ABSTRACT used as a verb is uncommon.
Dictionary entry details
• ABSTRACT (noun)
Meaning:
A concept or idea not associated with any specific instance
Classified under:
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents
Synonyms:
abstract; abstraction
Context example:
he loved her only in the abstract--not in person
Hypernyms ("abstract" is a kind of...):
concept; conception; construct (an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "abstract"):
right (an abstract idea of that which is due to a person or governmental body by law or tradition or nature)
absolute (something that is conceived to be absolute; something that does not depends on anything else and is beyond human control)
teacher (a personified abstraction that teaches)
thing (a special abstraction)
Meaning:
A sketchy summary of the main points of an argument or theory
Classified under:
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents
Synonyms:
precis; synopsis; abstract; outline
Hypernyms ("abstract" is a kind of...):
sum-up; summary (a brief statement that presents the main points in a concise form)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "abstract"):
brief (a condensed written summary or abstract)
apercu (a short synopsis)
epitome (a brief abstract (as of an article or book))
• ABSTRACT (adjective)
Meaning:
Existing only in the mind; separated from embodiment
Context example:
abstract words like 'truth' and 'justice'
Similar:
ideal (constituting or existing only in the form of an idea or mental image or conception)
conceptual (being or characterized by concepts or their formation)
conceptional; ideational; notional (being of the nature of a notion or concept)
Also:
nonrepresentational (of or relating to a style of art in which objects do not resemble those known in physical nature)
impalpable; intangible (incapable of being perceived by the senses especially the sense of touch)
Attribute:
abstractness (the quality of being considered apart from a specific instance or object)
Antonym:
concrete (capable of being perceived by the senses; not abstract or imaginary)
Meaning:
Not representing or imitating external reality or the objects of nature
Synonyms:
abstractionist; nonfigurative; nonobjective; abstract
Context example:
a large abstract painting
Similar:
nonrepresentational (of or relating to a style of art in which objects do not resemble those known in physical nature)
Meaning:
Dealing with a subject in the abstract without practical purpose or intention
Context examples:
abstract reasoning / abstract science
Similar:
theoretical (concerned with theories rather than their practical applications)
• ABSTRACT (verb)
Meaning:
Consider a concept without thinking of a specific example; consider abstractly or theoretically
Classified under:
Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting
Hypernyms (to "abstract" is one way to...):
consider; reckon; regard; see; view (deem to be)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s something
Meaning:
Make off with belongings of others
Classified under:
Verbs of buying, selling, owning
Synonyms:
snarf; purloin; pilfer; filch; cabbage; swipe; nobble; abstract; pinch; sneak; hook; lift
Hypernyms (to "abstract" is one way to...):
steal (take without the owner's consent)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s something from somebody
Meaning:
Consider apart from a particular case or instance
Classified under:
Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting
Context example:
Let's abstract away from this particular example
Hypernyms (to "abstract" is one way to...):
consider; deal; look at; take (take into consideration for exemplifying purposes)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s PP
Meaning:
Give an abstract (of)
Classified under:
Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing
Hypernyms (to "abstract" is one way to...):
resume; sum up; summarise; summarize (give a summary (of))
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s something
Something ----s something
