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Abstract Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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abstract

[หˆรฆbstrรฆkt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

conceptual summary

existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.

Synonyms

conceptual, non-concrete, theoretical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
abstract

Talking about ideas or art that are not physical or concrete.

  • The painting is very abstract, with lots of colors and shapes that don't form a clear picture
  • She prefers abstract thinking over practical solutions
conceptual

Describing ideas related to concepts or philosophy, often used in art, education, or theory.

  • His conceptual approach to the problem helped to identify the root cause
  • The exhibit featured conceptual art that challenged traditional boundaries
theoretical

Used when discussing ideas that are based on theory rather than practical applications, often in scientific or academic contexts.

  • Though still theoretical, the scientist's work has opened up new possibilities for energy research
  • We focused on the theoretical aspects of the problem before designing the experiment
non-concrete

Describing things that are not physical or tangible, often used in academic or technical discussions.

  • We discussed non-concrete elements like love and happiness during the psychology class
  • Non-concrete evidence can be harder to prove in court

Examples of usage

  • It's just an abstract concept, not something you can hold in your hand.
  • The painting represents the artist's abstract ideas about love and freedom.
Context #2 | Noun

summary of a text

a summary of the contents of a book, article, or speech.

Synonyms

overview, summary, synopsis.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
abstract

Usually used in academic or scientific settings to provide a brief summary of a research paper or article. It is often found at the beginning of a document and gives a concise overview of the content.

  • The abstract of the research paper summarizes the key findings and methodologies used in the study
summary

Commonly used in everyday settings as well as in business and academic environments. A summary refers to a brief statement or account of the main points of something. It is versatile and can apply to a wide range of contexts.

  • After watching the movie, she gave me a quick summary of the plot
  • The meeting concluded with a summary of the action items
synopsis

Most often used in relation to books, movies, and plays. It provides a concise summary of the main plot and themes, without going into too much detail.

  • The back cover of the book includes a brief synopsis that captured my interest immediately
  • Before watching the movie, I read the synopsis to know what it's about
overview

Suitable for general use when you need to provide a broad summary of any topic, project, or report. It is typically more high-level and less detailed than an abstract.

  • Before diving into the specifics, letโ€™s give an overview of the new project plan

Examples of usage

  • Before reading the full report, I always check the abstract to see if it's relevant.
  • The abstract of the research paper provided a concise overview of the study.
Context #3 | Adjective

art

relating to or denoting art that does not attempt to represent an accurate depiction of visual reality but instead uses shapes, colors, and gestural marks to achieve its effect.

Synonyms

non-figurative, non-objective, non-representational.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
abstract

Used when talking about art that does not represent recognizable objects or scenes. It focuses on shapes, colors, and forms.

  • The artist is known for his abstract paintings
  • Abstract art often leaves more to the viewer's imagination

Examples of usage

  • The artist's abstract paintings are open to interpretation and evoke strong emotions.
  • She prefers abstract art because it allows her imagination to roam freely.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Art

  • Abstract art emerged as a distinct movement in the early 1900s, moving away from realistic depictions.
  • Artists like Wassily Kandinsky and Piet Mondrian were pioneers in this genre, focusing on color and form.
  • This style allows for personal interpretation, as one piece can evoke different feelings in each viewer.

Philosophy

  • In philosophical discussions, abstraction is key to understanding concepts that are not tied to physical reality.
  • It plays a significant role in forming theories and ideas that guide various fields of study.
  • Platoโ€™s theory of forms is an example, suggesting that the most real things are the abstract ideals rather than the physical world.

Psychology

  • In cognitive psychology, abstract thinking involves the ability to understand complex concepts, like love or justice.
  • This form of thinking is crucial for problem-solving and creativity, allowing more innovative solutions.
  • Children develop abstract thinking skills as they grow, progressing from concrete to more general thinking.

Literature

  • In literature, abstract language often conveys emotions and ideas rather than clear actions or visual cues.
  • This type of language invites readers to interpret meanings and feelings on a personal level.
  • Poets often use abstraction to capture moods, making their work resonate with various interpretations.

Origin of 'abstract'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'abstractus', meaning 'to draw away' or 'separate'.
  • In its earliest uses, it described the act of summarizing or pulling ideas from a larger context.
  • Its use in art became popular in the 20th century to describe works that are non-representational.

The word 'abstract' comes from the Latin word 'abstractus', which means 'drawn away'. It was first used in English in the late 14th century. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass various meanings, from conceptual to artistic. In art, abstract forms have been present in different cultures throughout history, with notable developments in the 20th century by artists like Wassily Kandinsky and Piet Mondrian.

See also: abstraction.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,041, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.