What Does “Abstract” Mean?

The word abstract can function as a noun, adjective, or verb, depending on the context. As a noun, it refers to a summary or overview of a larger work. As an adjective, it describes something theoretical or not concrete. As a verb, it means to remove or extract something.

Synonyms for “Abstract”

Strongest Matches:

  • Summary (noun)
  • Conceptual (adjective)
  • Extract (verb)

Strong Matches:

  • Outline (noun)
  • Theoretical (adjective)
  • Remove (verb)

Weak Matches:

  • Digest (noun)
  • Idealistic (adjective)
  • Separate (verb)

Example Sentences

Abstract as a Noun:

  • “The scientist provided an abstract of his research before presenting the full paper.”
  • “Before reading the novel, I skimmed through the abstract to understand the key themes.”

Abstract as an Adjective:

  • “Her painting is highly abstract, leaving much to interpretation.”
  • “The professor’s lecture covered abstract mathematical theories.”

Abstract as a Verb:

  • “He managed to abstract key data from the report for quick analysis.”
  • “She tried to abstract herself from the emotional situation.”

Contextual Usage of “Abstract”

  • Academic Writing: Used to summarize research papers and scholarly articles.
  • Art and Design: Describes art that is non-representational.
  • Philosophy: Discusses ideas and concepts that are not tangible.
  • Legal and Business Documents: Refers to condensed versions of lengthy reports.

Related Words

  • Abstraction (noun) – The act of considering something independently of specific instances.
  • Abstracted (adjective) – Withdrawn or preoccupied.
  • Abstractly (adverb) – In a conceptual or theoretical manner.
  • Abstractness (noun) – The quality of being abstract.

Additional Information

Abstract Art

Abstract art is a movement that emphasizes shapes, colors, and forms rather than realistic representations. Artists such as Wassily Kandinsky and Jackson Pollock are well-known for their abstract works.

Abstract Thinking

Abstract thinking refers to the ability to understand concepts that are not directly tied to physical reality, often used in problem-solving and creativity.

How to Write an Abstract?

If you are drafting an abstract for a research paper, include:

  1. Purpose of the Study
  2. Methods Used
  3. Key Findings
  4. Conclusion

Disclaimer

This page provides general linguistic and contextual information about the word “abstract.” The definitions, synonyms, and related terms are based on standard English usage and may vary depending on context. Always consult a reliable dictionary or subject-matter expert for precise meanings in specific scenarios.