Abstractional

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /æbˈstɹæk.ʃnl̩/

Definitions

1. The quality of relating to ideas that are not tied to concrete realities often highlights a focus on theoretical and conceptual frameworks
2. This characteristic pertains to forming general concepts by moving away from specific instances, stressing non-material elements of thought
3. The attribute of engaging with general ideas rather than specific instances often emphasizes theoretical concepts and non-tangible aspects of understanding

Etymology: "Abstractional" is a plain English formation: the adjective "abstraction" (a noun meaning the act of drawing away or the idea that results from it) plus the suffix "-al", which turns a noun into an adjective meaning "relating to" or "characterised by." The suffix itself came into English through Old French from Latin "-alis," and the noun it attaches to traces back through Latin "abstrahere," meaning "to drag away." Put together, the word simply means relating to abstraction, which is why its sense stays close to the idea of separating general qualities from particular instances.

Synonyms: conceptual, theoretical, intangible, metaphysical, phantasmic

Antonyms: concrete, tangible, literal, material, practical