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Abstract   /æbstrˈækt/  /ˈæbstrˌækt/   Listen
Abstract

adjective
1.
Existing only in the mind; separated from embodiment.  Antonym: concrete.
2.
Not representing or imitating external reality or the objects of nature.  Synonyms: abstractionist, nonfigurative, nonobjective.
3.
Dealing with a subject in the abstract without practical purpose or intention.  "Abstract science"
noun
1.
A concept or idea not associated with any specific instance.  Synonym: abstraction.
2.
A sketchy summary of the main points of an argument or theory.  Synonyms: outline, precis, synopsis.
verb
(past & past part. abstracted; pres. part. abstracting)
1.
Consider a concept without thinking of a specific example; consider abstractly or theoretically.
2.
Make off with belongings of others.  Synonyms: cabbage, filch, hook, lift, nobble, pilfer, pinch, purloin, snarf, sneak, swipe.
3.
Consider apart from a particular case or instance.
4.
Give an abstract (of).



Related searches:
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abstractor


WordNet 3.0 © 2010 Princeton University


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"Abstract" Quotes from Famous Books



... Republican members of Parliament, is designedly homely in style, and the magnificence of Milton's diction is still further tamed down by the necessity of resorting to dictation. It is nevertheless a powerful piece of argument, in its own sphere of abstract reason unanswerable, and only questionable in that lower sphere of expediency which Milton disdained. In the following August appeared a sequel with the sarcastic title, "Considerations on the likeliest means to remove Hirelings out of the Church." The recipe is simple and efficacious—cease ...
— Life of John Milton • Richard Garnett
... sort of fairy) had produced a command out of a drawer almost as unexpectedly as in a fairy tale. But a command is an abstract idea, and it seemed a sort of "lesser marvel" till it flashed upon me that it involved the concrete existence ...
— The Shadow-Line - A Confession • Joseph Conrad
... nature, and do not reason upon it; they obey their instinct without thought or philosophy. They know not how to unite the social sentiment with the idea of equality, which they do not possess; this idea being an abstract one. We, on the contrary, starting with the principle that society implies equality, can, by our reasoning faculty, understand and agree with each other in settling our rights; we have even used our judgment to a great extent. But in all this our conscience plays a small part, ...
— What is Property? - An Inquiry into the Principle of Right and of Government • P. J. Proudhon
... was reason in Tip's contention regarding Weston. Indeed, from Tim's account of events, I could see that the store had very thoroughly threshed out the whole case and that the problem was not one that could be solved by abstract reasoning. There was only one person to solve it, and ...
— The Soldier of the Valley • Nelson Lloyd
... it can be said that these people have in their minds any real abstract idea of number, at all events beyond twenty. Each finger turned down and toe pointed to, in succession, seems to represent to their minds the article (e.g., a pig) which is counted, rather than a step in a process of mental addition. But this is a matter upon ...
— The Mafulu - Mountain People of British New Guinea • Robert W. Williamson


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