abstract sense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abstract sense" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a concept or idea that is not concrete or tangible. For example, "In an abstract sense, this painting conveys a feeling of sadness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I think any form whether it's a movie, a novel, a play, a poem, a painting in an abstract sense you're dealing with the same issues: characterization, abstraction, passage of time, metaphor".

Vice

Perhaps in some abstract sense, this is true.

The New York Times

Our interviews are not technical in an abstract sense.

The Guardian

Eric may work with money, but only in the most abstract sense.

The New York Times

You cannot care in an abstract sense, you must take action.

The Guardian

And in some abstract sense, I agree with the idea of an evolutionary shared descent that makes us all "family".

The New York Times

Furthermore, the ethic does not deal with humanity in an abstract sense but with the actual neighbour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And who can stare at the Browns' orange helmets and not consider them a thing, in the abstract sense).

The New York Times - Sports

The Florentine photographer Alberto Galducci's strong abstract sense also prevails in views like "Beach Motif" (circa 1950).

The New York Times

The powerful know they are pulling strings in an abstract sense, but are still wilfully (and blissfully) ignorant of specifics.

The Guardian - Film

Moreover, there's an abstract sense in which missing out on good experiences isn't as bad as having bad ones.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "abstract sense" when you want to convey an understanding or feeling about something that is not concrete or easily defined.

Common error

Avoid using "abstract sense" when a more direct and simple explanation is possible. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abstract sense" functions as a qualifier, modifying a noun or idea to indicate that it is being considered in a non-concrete, conceptual manner. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "abstract sense" is used to describe concepts, ideas, or feelings that are not concrete or tangible, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. The phrase helps to convey understanding of something beyond its immediate physical properties, inviting a deeper, more conceptual interpretation. While grammatically correct and widely used, it is important to avoid overuse in simple explanations to maintain clarity. Using related phrases like "conceptual understanding" or "theoretical perspective" can offer alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conceptual understanding

Focuses more on the understanding of a concept rather than the sense of it.

interpretive understanding

Focuses on understanding through interpretation, often subjective.

conceptual framework

Refers to a structured way of thinking about or understanding something abstract.

theoretical perspective

Emphasizes the theoretical aspect, often used in academic or analytical contexts.

intellectual grasp

Highlights the intellectual understanding, rather than a general sense.

purely theoretical

Emphasizes that something is based only on theory and not on practical application.

notional idea

Highlights the idea as being possibly vague or not fully formed.

philosophical notion

Specifically refers to abstract ideas within the realm of philosophy.

intangible quality

Stresses the lack of physical presence or tangibility.

general idea

A more simplified and broad understanding of something.

FAQs

How can I use "abstract sense" in a sentence?

You can use "abstract sense" to describe a feeling, understanding, or concept that isn't concrete. For example, "In an "abstract sense", justice represents fairness and equality."

What does "abstract sense" mean?

"Abstract sense" refers to understanding something on a conceptual or non-physical level. It means grasping the idea or feeling of something rather than its tangible properties.

Which is correct, "abstract sense" or "concrete sense"?

Both "abstract sense" and "concrete sense" are valid, but they describe opposite concepts. "Abstract sense" refers to a non-physical understanding, while "concrete sense" refers to a physical or tangible understanding.

What's the difference between "abstract sense" and "general idea"?

While both relate to non-specific concepts, "abstract sense" often implies a deeper, more nuanced understanding that isn't immediately obvious. A "general idea" is usually a basic or simplified understanding.