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abstract

Definition

  • noun: a brief written statement of the main points or facts in a longer report, speech, etc.
  • noun: a summary of points (as of a writing) usually presented in skeletal form
  • verb: to consider apart from application to or association with a particular instance
  • verb: to make a summary of the main parts of (a report, speech, etc.)
  • adjective: relating to or involving general ideas or qualities rather than specific people, objects, or actions
  • adjective: disassociated from any specific instance
  • synonyms: abstruse, remove, summary

Examples

  • She accused him of 'abstracting' [='pinching'] some money from her purse.

  • The word “poem” is concrete, the word “poetry” is 'abstract'.

  • Data for the study was 'abstracted from' hospital records.

Movie quotes

  • (..) It's not like that. The miles are the goal. That's it? You're saving just to save? Let's just say that I have a number in mind and I haven't hit it yet. That's a little abstract. What's the target? I'd rather not. Is it a secret target? It's million miles. Okay. Isn't million just a number? (..)
    2009 Up in the Air