abstract
/ˈæb.strækt/(adjective)
AWL Sublist 6CEFR B2IELTS Band 7.0 - 9.0
Academic Definition
Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence; dealing with general concepts rather than real objects.
Key Academic Collocations
Click to copyWord Family & Derivatives
abstractabstractlyabstractionabstractions
Lexical Alternatives (Synonyms)
theoreticalconceptualintangiblenotionalphilosophical
Academic Sample Sentences in Context
"Secondary school curricula in mathematics transition students from empirical arithmetic to abstract algebraic reasoning."
"While the ethical principle of human rights is widely championed in the abstract, concrete international enforcement remains uneven."
"The academic article commences with a concise 200-word abstract summarizing the empirical methodology and primary findings."
IELTS Examiner Scoring Strategy (Lexical Resource)
'In the abstract' is an impressive C1 phrase when contrasting theoretical ideals with practical realities in Task 2.