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abstract

AB-strakt (noun), ab-STRAKT (adjective) /ˈæbstrækt/ (noun), /æbˈstrækt/ (adjective)

nounadjectiveB2GRETOEFLIELTS

academicformal

(noun) A summary of the contents of a book, article, or formal speech. (adjective) Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.

As a noun in academic contexts, it's a concise summary of a research paper, typically 150-300 words, outlining the purpose, methods, results, and conclusions.

The story behind the word. The word 'abstract' comes from the Latin 'abstractus,' the past participle of 'abstrahere,' meaning 'to draw away, pull away, detach.' The prefix 'ab-' means 'away from,' and 'trahere' means 'to pull.' So, an 'abstract' summary pulls away the essential points from the main text, leaving out the details. As an adjective, it refers to ideas 'drawn away' from concrete reality.

Word relationships

summary: A general term for a brief statement of the main points, less formal than an academic abstract.
synopsis: A brief general summary, often for a narrative work like a film or book.
epitome: A summary of a written work, or a person/thing that is a perfect example of a quality.

concrete: Existing in a material or physical form; not abstract.
tangible: Perceptible by touch; clear and definite.

Word family

abstraction (noun): the quality of dealing with ideas rather than events; the process of considering something independently of its associations
abstractly (adverb): in an abstract manner

Collocations

research abstract
journal abstract
write an abstract
abstract concepts
abstract art

Example sentences

"Before submitting the full manuscript, she drafted a concise abstract that highlighted the key findings of her study." A researcher preparing a paper for submission.
"The concept of 'justice' can be quite abstract, requiring careful thought to define its practical implications." A student trying to understand a complex philosophical concept.

Memory hook

An 'AB-stract' is a brief summary that 'DRAWS' the main points 'AWAY' from the full text. Draw Away Summary

When not to use

Avoid using 'abstract' as a noun to refer to any general summary; it implies a formal, structured summary of a scholarly work. As an adjective, don't use it when you mean 'vague' or 'unclear' if the idea is simply complex but still concrete.

Fun facts

The word 'abstract' is one of those rare words that changes its pronunciation depending on whether it's a noun or an adjective (AB-stract vs. ab-STRAKT).