abstract

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a concept or idea not associated with any specific instance
  2. noun a sketchy summary of the main points of an argument or theory
  3. verb consider a concept without thinking of a specific example; consider abstractly or theoretically

Etymology

From Middle English abstract, borrowed from Latin abstractus, perfect passive participle of abstrahō (“draw away”), formed from abs- (“away”) + trahō (“to pull, draw”). The verbal sense is first attested in 1542.

In classic literature

Synonyms

abstraction

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