abstractive

adjective

ab·​strac·​tive (ˈ)ab-¦strak-tiv How to pronounce abstractive (audio)
1
: having the power of abstracting : of an abstracting nature
abstractive analysis
2
a
: derived by a process of abstraction
an abstractive element
b
: belonging to or formed by abstraction
abstractively adverb

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin abstractīvus "capable of forming abstractions," from Latin abstractus abstract entry 1 + -īvus -ive entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of abstractive was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Abstractive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abstractive. Accessed 13 Dec. 2025.

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