Meaning of 'abstract'

adjective

existing only in the mind

adjective

dealing with a subject in the abstract without practical purpose or intention

Example: "abstract reasoning"

adjective

not representing or imitating external reality or the objects of nature

Example: "a large abstract painting"

Synonyms: abstractionist nonfigurative nonobjective

noun

a concept or idea not associated with any specific instance

Example: "I loved you only in the abstract--not in person."

Synonyms: abstraction

noun

a sketchy summary of the main points of an argument or theory

Synonyms: outline synopsis precis

verb

to consider apart from a particular case or instance

Example: "Let's abstract away from this particular example."

verb

to give a summary of the main points of

Example: "I abstracted my scientific paper in a single paragraph."

verb

to make off with belongings of others

Example: "The uninvited guest abstracted with our television."

Synonyms: pinch