# abstractive

CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abstractive
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

describing something that is difficult to understand or not based on real facts. It can also describe a way of writing or speaking that is very formal and uses complex ideas.

For teachers: relating to abstraction or the use of abstract concepts; difficult to interpret or lacking concrete detail. Often describes a style of writing that is overly complex or formal.

## Examples

- The professor's abstractive style made the lecture hard to follow.
- The report was criticized for being too abstractive, using technical jargon that confused the general public.
- While the theory is abstractive in its initial formulation, its practical applications in engineering are remarkably straightforward and intuitive.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.