Tuesday, April 30, 2013

abstractly, abstractedly

Abstractly or abstractly means in a theoretical way, apart from concrete realities--
We may have difficulty thinking of justice abstractly, but we are familiar with its personification as the blindfolded woman with the scales.
Burke argued that some concepts can only be thought of abstractly.

Abstractedly or abstractedly means in an absent-minded way, or lost in thought--
I asked if he wanted lunch, but he answered abstractedly, and said something about his new car.
We said hello, but he looked at us abstractedly, and wandered away mumbling to himself.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"When we try to discuss emotional concepts abstractly, they just look at us abstractedly and try to change the subject."

Note--"abstract" means theoretical, or considered apart from real situations or things--
People often have strong emotions connected with abstract ideas they may find difficult to define.
"Abstract" also describes a painting or work of art that does not represent reality, or anything physical--
He won't come to the museum; he doesn't like abstract art.
"Abstract" also means a summary, or to write or compose a summary--
Here is the abstract of his latest article.
The intern will abstract all of the pertinent reviews.
Note # 2--"abstracted" may describe someone who is absent-minded--
He seems abstracted; is something wrong?
"Abstracted" may also be the past tense ( yesterday, or some time ago ) of "abstract", meaning to write a summary or distillation--
We abstracted this from his recent speech.

No comments:

Post a Comment