abstract

USAGE SUMMARY

The word abstract is correct and usable in written English.
It usually refers to a concept that cannot be physically experienced but can be thought of or described. For example: "The abstract concept of time is difficult to define."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Later in the season, the same biographer attempts to turn Underwood's head to The Stanley Parable, an experimental installation that toys with abstract notions of free will.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This has the effect of making the figurative drawing more abstract, paradoxically, neutralising the shock effect of the splayed limbs, the proffered genitalia, the immediate sexual context of artist and model.

The Guardian - Arts

Politicians have cottoned on to this in the abstract, but they are more reluctant to be drawn on where these houses should be.

The Guardian - Opinion

In a foreword to the report, titled The Third Wave of Globalisation and published by the Institute for Public and Policy Research, Mandelson writes: "People simply do not want to live in a world that puts abstract economic efficiency or "liquidity" in financial markets above their personal sense of economic security for themselves and their families.

The Guardian

The more abstract "I (Heart) New York" slogan was created in the 1970s, in conjunction with a family-friendly tourism campaign.

The Guardian

Since then, his versatility and the unforced elegance of his manner – he is notably good in abstract work by the American choreographer George Balanchine – have ensured a steady stream of demanding roles.

The Guardian

We are bombarded on a daily basis with sweeping extrapolations about the abstract "consumer": their attitudes towards climate change, their expectations of brands and businesses and their purchasing intentions.

The Guardian

Quill's map gives Walter a different perspective on his world: not only a bird's-eye view, but an abstract representation of something previously unmediated by anything other than his own senses.

The Guardian - Books

Fans of SICP will have noticed the easiest way to solve this problem is to abstract it.

The Guardian

Abstract a few more functions and it's trivial to take this simple idea and apply it to whatever JSON structure you feel like.

The Guardian

One looks like an abstract painting, and reminds me of a Josef Albers Homage to the Square.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, consider using "abstract" to introduce a summary of a longer document or piece of code.

Common error

Avoid using "abstract" as a noun when "abstraction" is the more appropriate term. For example, instead of saying "The abstract is difficult to grasp", say "The abstraction is difficult to grasp".

Linguistic Context

The word "abstract" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate something non-concrete, theoretical, or summarized. It can also function as a noun referring to a summary, as shown in Ludwig. Additionally, it can serve as a verb, meaning to extract or summarize.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Arts

20%

Books

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Lifestyle

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "abstract" is a versatile term primarily functioning as an adjective but also serving as a noun and verb. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, carrying a neutral to formal tone. It commonly appears in contexts related to News & Media, Arts, and Books. When using "abstract", ensure the context clarifies what's being abstracted, and avoid confusing it with the noun "abstraction". You can use alternatives like "conceptual" or "theoretical" depending on the nuance you want to convey. The word is very frequent across different sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conceptual

Focuses on the idea or concept rather than the physical form.

theoretical

Emphasizes the speculative or hypothetical nature.

intangible

Highlights the lack of physical presence or substance.

non-specific

Indicates a lack of detail or precision.

generalized

Points to a broad, non-detailed representation.

idealized

Suggests a perfect or model form, often unrealistic.

simplified

Emphasizes the reduction of complexity.

schematic

Implies a diagrammatic or simplified representation.

symbolic

Relies on symbols to represent ideas or concepts.

distilled

Highlights the extraction of essential elements.

FAQs

How can I use "abstract" in a sentence?

You can use "abstract" to describe something that is not concrete or tangible, such as "The concept of justice is highly abstract". It can also describe a summary, as in "Read the abstract of the research paper".

What is a synonym for "abstract"?

Some synonyms for "abstract" include "conceptual", "theoretical", and "intangible". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "abstract idea"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct to say "abstract idea". This phrase is commonly used to describe an idea that is not based on concrete reality but rather on general concepts or theories.

What's the difference between "abstract" and "concrete"?

"Abstract" refers to something that exists only as an idea or concept, whereas "concrete" refers to something that is tangible and can be perceived by the senses. For example, love is an abstract concept, while a tree is a concrete object.