Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Abstractly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ญ
Add to dictionary

abstractly

[หˆรฆbstrรฆktli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

theoretical concept

Abstractly refers to the manner of considering something in a theoretical or non-physical sense. It often involves thinking about ideas, concepts, or situations without focusing on concrete details. When one thinks abstractly, they engage in an elevated mode of thought that transcends the tangible and immediate. This approach is common in fields like philosophy, mathematics, and art, where the emphasis is on underlying principles rather than physical manifestations.

Synonyms

conceptually, intellectually, theoretically.

Examples of usage

  • She spoke abstractly about the nature of reality.
  • The artist expressed emotions abstractly in her painting.
  • Mathematicians often think abstractly to solve complex problems.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Art

  • Abstract art emerged in the early 20th century, focusing on colors and shapes rather than realistic representations.
  • Prominent artists like Wassily Kandinsky believed that colors and forms could express profound emotions and ideas.
  • The movement encouraged viewers to engage with their own interpretations, making the experience personal and subjective.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Immanuel Kant distinguished between abstract concepts and tangible experiences, influencing modern thinking.
  • In philosophical discussions, abstract ideas are often used to develop theories that can apply broadly rather than just to specific instances.
  • The concept of 'abstract reasoning' is crucial in education, emphasizing critical thinking skills.

Psychology

  • Abstract thinking is associated with higher cognitive abilities, allowing for creativity and problem-solving.
  • People who think abstractly tend to excel in fields requiring innovation, as they can visualize scenarios that aren't immediately obvious.
  • Studies show that engaging in abstract thought can improve emotional resilience by allowing individuals to see situations from different perspectives.

Everyday Usage

  • Everyday conversations often shift to abstract thinking when discussing emotions or complex concepts like love and justice.
  • In language, we use abstract terms to convey ideas that are not tied to a single physical object, such as freedom or beauty.
  • Abstractly is often used in academic writing to describe concepts or theories that donโ€™t have straightforward definitions.

Origin of 'abstractly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'abstractus', meaning 'drawn away', which implies separation from the physical.
  • It gained popularity in English during the 17th century, particularly in discussions of philosophy and art.
  • Initially, it was used to describe concepts in philosophy before broadening its usage to various forms of expression.

The word 'abstractly' originates from the adjective 'abstract', which comes from the Latin 'abstractus', meaning 'drawn away' or 'separated from'. The root 'tract' means 'to draw' or 'to pull'. The transformation from Latin to English occurred through Old French 'abstrait' before reaching Middle English as 'abstract'. The adverbial form 'abstractly' was formed by adding the suffix '-ly', which is commonly used to create adverbs from adjectives in English. The usage of 'abstract' in English dates back to the late 14th century, initially referring to concepts that are not embodied in physical forms. Over time, the term has expanded in use to encompass various fields, including art, science, and philosophy, where abstraction plays a critical role in understanding the complexities of ideas and representations.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,397, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.