abstractive

[ ab-strak-tiv ]

adjective

1. having the power of abstracting.
2. pertaining to an abstract or summary.

Other Words From

• ab·stractive·ly adverb
• ab·stractive·ness noun
• unab·stractive adjective
• unab·stractive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of abstractive¹

From the Medieval Latin word abstractīvus, dating back to 1480–90. See abstract, -ive

Example Sentences

To-day it is no longer difficult to understand how the divine ideas were born, how they were created in succession by the abstractive faculty of man.

From Project Gutenberg

We have no intuitive insight into their natures; all our knowledge here is abstractive and discursive.

From Project Gutenberg

Two abstractive sets may each cover the other.

From Project Gutenberg

As an instinctive he is below the level; as an abstractive he attains it; as a specialist he rises above it.

From Project Gutenberg

When there is no danger of misunderstanding I shall shorten this phrase by simply saying that the two abstractive sets are ‘equal.’

From Project Gutenberg