Abstractly: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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 don’t have straightforward definitions.

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

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• 25400 generalist
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