in the abstract

IPA/ɪnðɪ ˈabstɹakt/
IPA/ɪnðɪ ˈæbstɹækt/

in the abstract — 慣用語

1. when you think about an idea, plan, or situation as a general concept instead of

1.慣用語B2
釋義

理論上

當作一般概念考量

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

例句

In the abstract, Sahil supported the new tax plan, but he worried about how it would affect small shops.

在理論上，Sahil 支持新的稅務計劃，但他擔心這會如何影響小商店。

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.

提前退休的想法在理論上聽起來很棒，然而 Diego 知道他會想念每天的例行工作。

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • 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

❌In the abstract, I like the plan.
✅In the abstract, the plan seemed good, but we had doubts about how to carry it out.
💡The phrase is most natural when followed by a contrast showing the gap between theory and practice.

2. when you talk, write, or answer in a broad or vague way, without mentioning any

2.慣用語B2
釋義

籠統地

談論時不舉具體事例

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

例句

The minister spoke about education reform only in the abstract, without naming a single school or policy.

部長籠統地談論教育改革，沒有提到任何一所學校或政策。

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.

那篇文章籠統地宣稱「勞動家庭」需要幫助，卻沒有舉出任何真實案例。

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞

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.

常見錯誤

❌She discussed it in the abstract.
✅She discussed the budget cuts in the abstract, without naming any department or programme.
💡Add what was not specified to make the meaning clear.
❌Using 'in the abstract' when you mean 'abstractly' as an adverb for artistic works.
✅In the abstract' always refers to general/vague discussion, not to art or design.