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abstract

/ˈæbˌstɹækt/

When used as an adjective, "abstract" is the opposite of "concrete." Use it to describe things you cannot touch or see physically. As a noun, it is most commonly used in academic and professional writing to refer to a short summary at the beginning of a document. As a verb, it is quite formal. In everyday conversation, people usually prefer words like "extract" or "pull out" instead.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Mark is procrastinating at his desk while Brian is in the server room.
Mark

yo, this report is way too abstract. can you just TL;DR it for me?

Mark
Brian
Brian

read the abstract yourself and stop bugging me.

💡
Mark uses 'abstract' as an adjective to complain that the report is too theoretical or vague, using the slang 'TL;DR' (Too Long; Didn't Read). Brian responds by using 'abstract' as a noun, referring to the summary section of the document, while maintaining his grumpy persona.

Meanings

adjective

Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.

"Truth and justice are abstract concepts."

adjective

Relating to art that does not attempt to represent external reality, but seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, forms, colors, and textural effects.

"The gallery is filled with abstract expressionist paintings."

noun

A summary of the contents of a book, article, or formal speech.

"I read the abstract of the research paper before deciding to read the full text."

verb (transitive)

To extract or remove something from a larger whole.

"The researchers attempted to abstract the core data from the complex report."

Related Words

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error