The noun “abstraction” can have several verb synonyms that convey similar meanings.
One such synonym is “generalize”. When you generalize, you take specific details and form a more general concept or idea. This is similar to abstraction in that you are moving away from the particulars and towards a more abstract understanding. For example, “He generalized from his experiences to form a broader theory.”
“extract” can also be a synonym. In the context of abstraction, to extract means to pull out the essential or abstract elements from a complex whole. For instance, “She extracted the main themes from the novel.” This is like abstracting the key ideas from a more detailed source.
“distill” is another verb that can be used as a synonym for abstraction. To distill is to purify or refine something by removing impurities or non-essential elements. This is similar to abstraction in that you are simplifying and focusing on the core essence. For example, “The philosopher distilled his ideas into a concise statement.”
“simplify” is a more straightforward synonym. When you simplify, you make something less complex and more abstract by reducing it to its essential elements. For example, “He simplified the problem to make it easier to understand.” This is similar to abstraction in that you are removing unnecessary details.
Finally, “condense” can be used as a synonym. To condense means to make something more compact or concentrated by reducing its size or volume. In the context of abstraction, condensing can involve taking a complex idea and expressing it in a more concise and abstract form. For example, “She condensed her argument into a few key points.”