WordGarden.ioabstractness
B1Pronunciation
UK
US
- /æbˈstræk.nəs/countableuncountablenoun
Meanings
Noun
the quality of being abstract rather than concrete
the quality of being nonrepresentational in art or design
Beyond the definition
Abstractness describes the quality of something that exists as an idea, feeling, or concept rather than a physical thing you can touch or see. Think about love, justice, or beauty—these are all abstract concepts. In art, a painting might exhibit abstractness by using non-realistic shapes and colors, focusing on emotion over exact depiction. While a chair is concrete, the idea of comfort is abstract. The more something relies on interpretation rather than direct experience, the higher its degree of abstractness.
Abstractness isn't necessarily negative! It's crucial for fields like mathematics, philosophy, and literature. A mathematician deals with abstract numbers and equations, while a philosopher explores abstract ideas about existence. A writer might use abstract language to evoke feelings or explore complex themes. You might say a particular poem has a lot of abstractness, meaning it's open to many interpretations and doesn't tell a straightforward, literal story.
Abstractness refers to the quality of being theoretical or conceptual rather than concrete and specific. It describes things that exist as ideas, qualities, or feelings, rather than as physical objects or particular instances. Think about concepts like freedom, happiness, or truth—these aren't things you can hold in your hand; they are abstract notions we understand through experience and thought.
The degree of abstractness varies. Something highly concrete, like a table, has very little abstractness. Conversely, something like "the meaning of life" is almost entirely abstract. Abstractness often involves generalization—taking specific examples and forming broader concepts. For instance, you might see many different dogs (concrete) and form the abstract concept of "dog-ness," which encompasses all canines.
In art, abstractness manifests as a departure from realistic representation. Abstract paintings or sculptures prioritize form, color, and texture over depicting recognizable objects. This isn't about avoiding reality, but rather exploring it through non-literal means. A sculptor might create an abstract piece to convey a feeling of tension or peace.
Abstractness is vital in many fields. Mathematics relies heavily on abstract symbols and equations. Philosophy grapples with abstract questions about existence and morality. Even everyday language uses abstract terms constantly—we talk about "hope," "fear," and "success" without necessarily defining them concretely.
However, too much abstractness can lead to confusion or vagueness. Effective communication often requires balancing abstract ideas with concrete examples. So, while embracing the power of abstraction is important for creativity and thought, grounding those concepts in reality ensures clarity and understanding.
Examples
- 1
Academic theory
The abstractness of the theory made it hard for first-year students to follow.
- 2
Teaching math
Teachers often use stories and pictures to reduce the abstractness of math concepts.
- 3
Report criticism
What frustrated her about the report was its abstractness, with plenty of big ideas but few practical examples.
See also
Similar
- abstraction
- intangibility
- conceptuality
Shades of meaning
- generality
- theoretical quality
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- degree of abstractness
- level of abstractness
- high abstractness
- semantic abstractness
Word family
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Forms and spellings
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Main spelling
- abstractnessnoun