abstraction

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "abstraction" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to an idea or notion that exists in the mind, but has no physical form, or to refer to something that has been removed from its physical context. For example, you might say: "The artist's work was an abstraction of the natural environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Technology

Philosophy

Computer Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A new type of solitary obsessive was born, interested only in achieving the pure abstraction of the record itself.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's an abstraction of a part of a ship, and there's a timeline of the story of the home front in one direction and, in the other, quotes from the women – Rosies – whose oral histories we have.

The Guardian - Travel

The wasteland map is a beautiful abstraction: a few buildings, mountains, a constantly-pinging radar attached to where my rangers are, and an X where my next destination is.

The Guardian - Tech

Companies in the bottled water business might talk a lot about water stewardship and "gentle abstraction" but they are in effect looking to increase abstraction.

The Guardian - Opinion

Powell was not the first or the last politician to be caught between the concept and the act, the purity of the idea and the twist and turns of real life, but in his case the gift for abstraction was so advanced that the gap yawned wider than for most.

The Guardian

For a British person, this can seem a quite extraordinary belief in an abstraction.

The Guardian - Opinion

Following the abstraction principal, it's trivial to define a few domain-specific functions to get the relevant values from our data list.

The Guardian

And yet, at the same time, there is a certain fastidious abstraction; a lawyer's critical distance that for the most part will not allow him to indulge in the kind of tub-thumping that can win you high office, and then keep you in it.

The Guardian

In the great adventure that was 20th-century abstraction, the arrival of these coolly planned and professionally executed paintings near the century's end was a cynical epilogue that replaced the tragic visions of a Rothkowith self-mocking sitcom farce.

The Guardian - Arts

Yet in the 20th century, abstraction became the most serious and profound realm of modern art.

The Guardian - Arts

No art is more meaningful and passionate than abstraction at its best – but, by the end of the 20th century, it had become a cliche.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex topics, use "abstraction" strategically to simplify ideas and make them more accessible to your audience. However, always balance abstraction with concrete examples to avoid vagueness.

Common error

Avoid using excessive "abstraction" without providing clear, concrete examples or explanations. This can lead to confusion and prevent your audience from fully understanding your message.

Linguistic Context

The noun "abstraction" primarily functions as a concept or idea removed from concrete reality. It is used to refer to a general idea rather than a specific instance, as exemplified in Ludwig's examples concerning art, computer science and philosophy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Arts

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

14%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abstraction" is a versatile noun that refers to a concept or idea detached from concrete reality. As Ludwig's examples show, it appears frequently in news and media, arts, and science, indicating its relevance across various fields. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. When writing, it's important to balance the use of "abstraction" with concrete examples to ensure clarity and avoid vagueness. Considering alternatives such as "conceptualization" or "generalization" can help refine your message and prevent over-abstraction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellectual abstraction

Highlights the role of intellect in the abstraction process, focusing on mentally constructed concepts.

conceptual framework

Indicates a structured set of ideas used for understanding or solving a problem, emphasizing the abstract nature of these ideas.

conceptualization

Focuses on the act of forming a concept or idea, often implying a deliberate and conscious effort to understand something abstract.

philosophical concept

Places emphasis on the abstract nature of the concept, specifically within the realm of philosophical inquiry.

theoretical construct

Emphasizes the creation of a theoretical framework or model to explain a phenomenon, often involving abstract concepts.

generalization

Emphasizes the process of identifying common patterns or characteristics to form a broad principle or conclusion.

non-representational art

Specifically refers to art that does not attempt to depict reality, focusing instead on abstract forms and concepts.

idealization

Highlights the representation of something in an ideal or perfect form, often simplifying or exaggerating certain aspects.

simplification

Suggests making something easier to understand by removing complexity or unnecessary details.

schematization

Refers to the process of organizing information into a structured schema or framework, often for analytical purposes.

FAQs

How is "abstraction" used in art?

In art, "abstraction" refers to art that does not attempt to represent external reality, but seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, forms, colors, and textures. It moves away from representational accuracy to convey emotions or ideas.

What does "abstraction" mean in computer science?

In computer science, "abstraction" is a technique for managing complexity by hiding unnecessary implementation details from the user. This allows developers to focus on the essential functionality without being bogged down by intricacies.

What's the difference between "abstraction" and "generalization"?

"Abstraction" involves simplifying complex systems by focusing on essential features, while "generalization" involves identifying common patterns across different instances to form a broad principle. Both simplify, but in different ways.

How can I use "abstraction" effectively in my writing?

To use "abstraction" effectively, introduce abstract concepts gradually and support them with concrete examples, analogies, or illustrations. This ensures that your audience can grasp the underlying ideas without getting lost in overly theoretical language.