abstract

Adjective

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

• not representing or imitating external reality or the objects of nature
  • a large abstract painting
    

• existing only in the mind; separated from embodiment
  • abstract words like `truth' and `justice'
    

Noun

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

• a concept or idea not associated with any specific instance
  • he loved her only in the abstract--not in person
    

Verb

• give an abstract (of)

• consider apart from a particular case or instance
  • Let's abstract away from this particular example
    

• make off with belongings of others

• consider a concept without thinking of a specific example; consider abstractly or theoretically

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  abstractionist , nonfigurative , nonobjective , outline , synopsis , precis , abstraction