Type any word!

Abstraction Meaning in English

word

æbˈstɹækʃən
ab-STRAK-shun
ɐbstɹˈækʃən
ub-STRAK-shun

Definition

The process of considering something in a general way, apart from specific examples or details. It can also refer to an idea or quality that is not concrete or physical.

Usage & Nuances

Mostly formal or academic; often used in art, philosophy, and science. 'Abstraction' can refer to a mental process, a philosophical concept, or an abstract work of art. Not used for physical objects. Common collocations: 'level of abstraction', 'process of abstraction', 'work of abstraction' (art).

Example Sentences

Mathematics often uses abstraction to solve problems.

basic

His painting is an abstraction of nature.

basic

Philosophers discuss abstraction to understand ideas.

basic

That novel is an interesting abstraction of real-life events.

natural

Software design relies a lot on abstraction to simplify complex systems.

natural

Some people find too much abstraction hard to understand.

natural