Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Abstracting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŒ€
Add to dictionary

abstracting

[รฆbหˆstrรฆktษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

process of abstraction

Abstracting refers to the process of extracting the underlying essence or common elements from a specific example or dataset. It involves distilling complex concepts down to their most fundamental components. This practice is often used in fields such as philosophy, computer science, and art. In software development, for example, abstracting can help create more generalized and reusable code. In the realm of art, it can mean representing objects or ideas through simplified or non-representational forms.

Synonyms

distilling, extracting, generalizing.

Examples of usage

  • The artist is expert in abstracting emotions into visual forms.
  • By abstracting the data, researchers were able to identify patterns more easily.
  • He is abstracting the key themes from the literature for his thesis.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Art

  • In art, abstraction emphasizes shapes and colors over realistic representations, creating unique interpretations.
  • Famous abstract artists, like Wassily Kandinsky, believed that color and form could evoke emotions directly.
  • Abstraction in art challenges viewers to perceive deeper meanings beyond what is visually apparent.

Cognitive Psychology

  • Abstracting is linked to higher-level thinking skills, enabling better problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Studies show that people who can abstract effectively often excel in fields requiring creativity and innovation.
  • Cognitive flexibility allows individuals to switch between abstract thinking and concrete thinking based on context.

Computer Science

  • In programming, abstracting helps manage complexity by creating simplified models to solve problems more easily.
  • Object-oriented programming uses abstraction to hide complex realities behind simpler interfaces.
  • The concept of abstraction is fundamental in software engineering, allowing for clearer design and reuse of code.

Origin of 'abstracting'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'abstract' originates from the Latin 'abstractus,' meaning 'pulled away or separated.'
  • The earliest use of related terms dates back to the late 14th century, primarily in philosophical context.
  • By the 17th century, it evolved to also mean concepts that are not tangible, like ideas and feelings.

The term 'abstracting' is derived from the Latin root 'abstrahere,' which means 'to draw away' or 'to take away.' In early philosophical contexts, it referred to the act of separating ideas from the particular instances of reality. The use of the term in the context of art and design began in the 19th century as artists started exploring non-representational forms and focusing on the qualities of shapes and colors rather than direct representation. With the rise of modernism in the 20th century, abstracting became a critical practice in various disciplines, signaling a shift towards valuing conceptual understanding over concrete examples.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,026, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.