B2 noun Formal

abstract

/ˈæbstrækt/

A brief summary of a research paper, thesis, or report that highlights the main points and findings. It is typically found at the beginning of a document to help readers quickly understand the core purpose and results.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I read the abstract of the article to see if it was relevant to my project.

I read the short summary of the article to check its relevance to my project.

2

The committee requested a three-hundred-word abstract for the upcoming conference.

The committee asked for a short 300-word summary for the next conference.

3

Just give me the abstract; I don't have time for the whole report.

Just give me the quick summary because I am in a hurry.

Word Family

Noun
abstract, abstraction
Verb
abstract
Adverb
abstractly
Adjective
abstract
Related
abstractness
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Memory Tip

Think of 'AB-stract' as an 'AB-breviated tract' (a shortened piece of writing).

Quick Quiz

The journal editor asked the researcher to shorten her _____ because it exceeded the 250-word limit.

Correct!

The correct answer is: abstract

Examples

1

I read the abstract of the article to see if it was relevant to my project.

everyday

I read the short summary of the article to check its relevance to my project.

2

The committee requested a three-hundred-word abstract for the upcoming conference.

formal

The committee asked for a short 300-word summary for the next conference.

3

Just give me the abstract; I don't have time for the whole report.

informal

Just give me the quick summary because I am in a hurry.

4

The abstract must clearly state the research methodology and the primary conclusions.

academic

The summary needs to explain how the research was done and what the results were.

5

Please include an abstract at the start of the proposal for the executive team.

business

Please put a summary at the beginning of the proposal for the managers.

Word Family

Noun
abstract, abstraction
Verb
abstract
Adverb
abstractly
Adjective
abstract
Related
abstractness

Common Collocations

write an abstract to compose a short summary of a paper
submit an abstract to send a summary for review or publication
concise abstract a short and clear summary
extended abstract a more detailed version of a summary
graphical abstract a visual summary of a research paper

Common Phrases

in the abstract

considering something theoretically rather than in practice

abstract of title

a summary of the history of ownership of a piece of land

scientific abstract

a summary specifically for a scientific study

Often Confused With

abstract vs extract

An extract is a small part taken directly from a text, while an abstract is a newly written summary of the entire text.

abstract vs introduction

An introduction starts the narrative of the paper, whereas an abstract summarizes the whole paper including the results.

📝

Usage Notes

When used as a noun in academic contexts, it always refers to a summary. Note that the pronunciation of the noun emphasizes the first syllable: AB-stract.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'summary' for academic papers when 'abstract' is the specific technical term required by journals.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'AB-stract' as an 'AB-breviated tract' (a shortened piece of writing).

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'abstractus', meaning 'drawn away' or 'removed from'.

Grammar Patterns

countable noun often follows the verb 'to submit' or 'to write' usually takes a definite article 'the' in academic discussion
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Cultural Context

In global academic culture, the abstract is often the only part of a paper that is free to read behind paywalls, making it the most important section for visibility.

Quick Quiz

The journal editor asked the researcher to shorten her _____ because it exceeded the 250-word limit.

Correct!

The correct answer is: abstract

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