overabstract

adjective

over·​ab·​stract ˌō-vər-ab-ˈstrakt How to pronounce overabstract (audio)
-ˈab-ˌstrakt
: excessively abstract
especially : unnecessarily difficult to understand
gave an overabstract explanation of the problem
… our aim is not to overcomplicate the essence of psychotherapy with extra theory or overabstract ideas, but rather to "demystify" this process … John Sharry et al.
overabstraction noun
plural overabstractions
The author stays well within the boundaries of a realistic and reasonable argument and seldom strays into the quagmire of overabstraction. Donald L. Hardesty

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overabstract was in 1857

Dictionary Entries Near overabstract

Cite this Entry

“Overabstract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overabstract. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.

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