abstract | ||
1. | [ adjective ] existing only in the mind; separated from embodiment | |
Examples: | "abstract words like `truth' and `justice'" |
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Related terms: | concrete ideal conceptual conceptional intangible nonrepresentational abstractness | |
2. | [ verb ] consider a concept without thinking of a specific example; consider abstractly or theoretically | |
Related terms: | see abstraction | |
3. | [ noun ] a concept or idea not associated with any specific instance | |
Synonyms: | abstraction | |
Examples: | "he loved her only in the abstract--not in person" |
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Related terms: | concept thing right teacher absolute | |
4. | [ adjective ] not representing or imitating external reality or the objects of nature | |
Synonyms: | nonfigurative nonobjective abstractionist | |
Examples: | "a large abstract painting" |
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Related terms: | nonrepresentational | |
5. | [ verb ] consider apart from a particular case or instance | |
Examples: | "Let's abstract away from this particular example" |
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Related terms: | consider abstraction | |
6. | [ adjective ] based on specialized theory; | |
Synonyms: | theoretical | |
Examples: | "a theoretical analysis" |
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Related terms: | technical | |
7. | [ verb ] (criminal law) make off with belongings of others | |
Synonyms: | pilfer purloin lift sneak snarf pinch hook filch nobble swipe cabbage | |
Related terms: | steal booster pilferage | |
8. | [ adjective ] dealing with a subject in the abstract without practical purpose or intention | |
Examples: | "abstract reasoning" "abstract science" |
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Related terms: | theoretical | |
9. | [ verb ] give an abstract (of) | |
Related terms: | sum_up abstractor | |
10. | [ noun ] (writing) a sketchy summary of the main points of an argument or theory | |
Synonyms: | outline precis synopsis | |
Related terms: | summary brief apercu epitome precis | |
Similar spelling: |
abstractor abstractly abstracter abstracted abstractive abstraction Abasta abstrusity abactinal Abston abstain abstruse |