abstractly (C1)

adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈæb.strækt.li/

Definition

In a way that considers ideas or qualities rather than specific physical objects or real-life instances.

Examples

• The professor urged the students to think abstractly about justice rather than focusing on individual legal cases.

• He struggled to visualize the math problem abstractly and needed concrete blocks to understand the equation.

• Art critics often interpret paintings abstractly, looking for emotional themes instead of literal representations.

Synonyms of abstractly

Words with a similar meaning to abstractly:

• theoretically
• conceptually
• metaphysically

Antonyms of abstractly

Words with the opposite meaning to abstractly:

• concretely
• literally

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