C1nounformalacademicphilosophy
US/æbˈstræk.ʃən/
UK/əbˈstræk.ʃən/
a general idea not tied to real, specific things; also the process of forming such ideas
In context
Young children find algebra hard because it involves a high level of abstraction.
For refugees, the economy is not an abstraction but a daily struggle.
Good teachers move from concrete examples to abstraction, not the other way round.
Words that go with abstraction
noun + preposition
- level of abstractionThe second chapter works at a higher level of abstraction.
- capacity for abstractionHumans have a remarkable capacity for abstraction.
- process of abstractionMathematics depends on a process of abstraction from everyday objects.
adjective + noun
- mere abstractionFor the people affected, poverty is not a mere abstraction.
- theoretical abstractionThe book avoids theoretical abstraction and stays close to real cases.