Dictionary definition · abstract
noun
- a concept or idea not associated with any specific instance"he loved her only in the abstract — not in person"
- a sketchy summary of the main points of an argument or theory
verb
- consider a concept without thinking of a specific example; consider abstractly or theoretically
- make off with belongings of others
- consider apart from a particular case or instance"Let's abstract away from this particular example"
- give an abstract (of)
adjective
- existing only in the mind; separated from embodiment"abstract words like ‘truth’ and ‘justice’"
- not representing or imitating external reality or the objects of nature"a large abstract painting"
- dealing with a subject in the abstract without practical purpose or intention"abstract reasoning"
Similar words
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).