intellectual abstraction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intellectual abstraction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing concepts, theories, or ideas that are not grounded in physical reality but rather exist in thought or theory. Example: "The philosopher's work often delves into intellectual abstraction, exploring ideas that challenge our understanding of reality."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It was a world innocent of modern bureaucracy and of the modern move to intellectual abstraction in defining the state: the entity we would call "Athens" in the abstract was called in its own day by the collective noun for its living and breathing citizens, "the Athenians".

SEP

Third, France is profoundly an intellectual abstraction; the French, in essence, are Italians trying to be German.

The Economist

While by some measure it is the best law school in the nation, it is also known for intellectual abstraction and disdain for the actual practice of law.

The New York Times

The greatest scamp had a Raphael face, with a profusion of blonde hair; Oakhurst, a gambler, had the melancholy air and intellectual abstraction of a Hamlet; the coolest and most courageous man was scarcely over five feet in height, with a soft voice and an embarrassed, timid manner.

The New Yorker

These include people like Heisenberg and Bohr (played with great verbal elan by Michael Cumpsty and Philip Bosco), whose high-minded retrospective debate (they are brought back from the dead for the purpose) makes excruciatingly clear the application of intellectual abstraction to concrete events.

The New York Times

Zen abhors an intellectual abstraction that merely thinks time and space.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

If you're an architect, you long to design gloriously intellectual abstractions to be photographed in glittering, sterile perfection.

The New York Times

Like Dante, Milosz makes intellectual abstractions full-bodied, "transmitting the sense that the world is organized into a system... where everything has its place".

The New York Times - Books

One can imagine all too easily their creators — sitting in comfortable armchairs, drinking high-grade tea and smoking fine cigarettes — discussing the issues at hand as if they were purely intellectual abstractions, never considering how ordinary people might react.

The New York Times

And they were so refreshing because, given the nature of the audience, there was no way even the most accomplished adult could veer into intellectual abstractions or indulge in the lingo of the art theory industry.

The New York Times

A native New Yorker who films on his home turf, Lonergan captures the flamboyant expressivity and the intellectual abstractions, the liberal-arts heritage and the liberal values that define the urban bourgeoisie — and with which, in turn, that élite defines modern society at large.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "intellectual abstraction", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific domain or field to which the abstraction applies. This provides clarity and avoids vagueness.

Common error

Avoid using "intellectual abstraction" in contexts where concrete examples are more appropriate. Overusing abstract language can make your writing inaccessible and difficult to understand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intellectual abstraction" functions as a noun phrase, referring to a concept or idea that exists primarily in the realm of thought rather than physical reality. As evidenced by Ludwig, it often appears in discussions of philosophical or scientific concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intellectual abstraction" is a noun phrase denoting a concept or idea existing mainly in the realm of thought rather than physical reality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for formal writing. Predominantly found in scientific and news media contexts, this phrase describes the process or outcome of forming abstract concepts, particularly in academic and technical fields. When using the phrase, ensure that you provide enough context to help readers grasp the specific area to which the "intellectual abstraction" relates. Furthermore, avoid overusing abstract language in your writing when concrete examples are more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

theoretical conceptualization

Replaces "abstraction" with "conceptualization", emphasizing the formation of a concept.

abstract reasoning

Focuses on the mental process of reasoning with abstract ideas.

conceptual framework

Highlights the structure of abstract ideas providing a model.

theoretical construct

Emphasizes that the abstraction is a created or constructed concept.

high-level conceptualization

Replaces "abstraction" with "conceptualization", emphasizing the high-level nature of the concept.

abstract theorization

Highlights the act of forming theories that are abstract.

intellectual construct

Emphasizes the idea that the abstraction is built through intellectual effort.

philosophical abstraction

Specifically relates the abstraction to philosophical concepts.

purely intellectual concept

Emphasizes the concept as being purely intellectual, devoid of practical grounding.

cognitive abstraction

Focuses on the cognitive processes involved in forming abstractions.

FAQs

How is "intellectual abstraction" used in academic writing?

In academic writing, "intellectual abstraction" is employed to discuss complex concepts and theories that are not directly tied to physical reality. It's often used in philosophy, theoretical physics, and advanced mathematics to explore ideas at a conceptual level.

What are some alternatives to using "intellectual abstraction" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "theoretical conceptualization", "abstract reasoning", or "conceptual framework". Each carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

Is "intellectual abstraction" a formal or informal term?

"Intellectual abstraction" leans towards the formal side, suitable for academic, professional, or analytical contexts. It may sound out of place in casual conversation.

Can you provide an example of "intellectual abstraction" in a sentence?

Sure. Here's an example: "The study of quantum mechanics often requires grappling with significant "intellectual abstraction", as the concepts defy everyday intuition."