abstract
/ˈæbˌstɹækt/
Group 28Difficulty 1/3
Definitions
- (adjective)
- Existing in thought or as an idea but not having physical or concrete existence; theoretical GRE
- (verb)
- To extract or remove GRE
Example in Context
The debate remained abstract until the policy's real-world effects began to manifest in communities across the country.
Synonyms
theoreticalconceptualintangible
Etymology
To pull away from physical reality into the realm of ideas.
- ab- (Latin) — away from
- tractus (Latin) — to pull
Memory Aid
🪤Sounds like “a trap”
Imagine getting trapped in a giant idea, where all the walls are made of weird THOUGHTS — it's ABSTRACT!
Visual Association
💭A person lost in a cloud of colorful thoughts, floating away from the ground.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “abstract” mean on the GRE?
abstract (adjective) means “Existing in thought or as an idea but not having physical or concrete existence; theoretical”. The debate remained abstract until the policy's real-world effects began to manifest in communities across the country.
How to remember “abstract” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “abstract” sounds like “a trap”. Imagine getting trapped in a giant idea, where all the walls are made of weird THOUGHTS — it's ABSTRACT!
What are synonyms for “abstract”?
Common synonyms: theoretical, conceptual, intangible.