in the abstract
in the abstract — idiom
1. when you think about an idea, plan, or situation as a general concept instead of
when you think about an idea, plan, or situation as a general concept instead of examining the practical details or real-world consequences it involves
In the abstract, Sahil supported the new tax plan, but he worried about how it would affect small shops.
contrast with practical concern in same sentence
The idea of retiring early sounded wonderful in the abstract, yet Diego knew he would miss his daily routine.
Nellie considered the job offer in the abstract at first, before studying the details of the contract.
Most people agree in the abstract that education matters, though they rarely say how to pay for it.
In the abstract, the company's cost-cutting plan looked reasonable, but workers on the factory floor saw the hidden risks.
- in theory
more common; stresses hypothetical vs. actual situations rather than general vs. specific thinking
- conceptually
more formal and academic; focuses on the idea itself rather than the contrast with reality
- in principle
similar to 'in the abstract' but emphasises moral or logical agreement rather than general consideration
- in practice
the direct opposite; contrasts theoretical consideration with real-world application
- in concrete terms
stresses specific, tangible details rather than general ideas
文法句型
(in the abstract,) + clause about a general idea
verb + in the abstract
用法筆記
Frequently paired with a contrast clause that describes real-world obstacles or specific consequences. Common verbs used with this sense include 'consider', 'support', 'agree with', and 'sound/look/seem good'.
常見錯誤
2. when you talk, write, or answer in a broad or vague way, without mentioning any
when you talk, write, or answer in a broad or vague way, without mentioning any actual person, real event, or specific example to make your meaning clear
The minister spoke about education reform only in the abstract, without naming a single school or policy.
speak + in the abstract in a critical context
In the abstract, the article claimed that 'working families' needed help, but it gave no real examples.
Ryan complained in the abstract that things were unfair, yet he never mentioned one specific situation.
The contract described the employee's duties in the abstract, so Hyun had no idea what to actually do each day.
When asked about safety, the manager answered only in the abstract, avoiding any mention of last month's accident.
- in general terms
less critical in tone; can be a neutral way of summarising without details
- vaguely
more negative; suggests the speaker is being unclear on purpose
- broadly
neutral register; often used in academic contexts
- in detail
the direct opposite; refers to thorough, specific treatment of a topic
- with concrete examples
stresses the use of real cases to support a point
文法句型
verb (speak/talk/describe) + in the abstract
in the abstract, + clause about vague statement
用法筆記
Often carries a critical tone — the speaker or writer is seen as avoiding concrete information. Unlike sense 1 (which contrasts theory with practice), this sense contrasts vague communication with specific, verifiable facts.