abstracted

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: //æbˈstræktɪd//

KK: /æb'stræktɪd/

adjective

Definition

When someone is lost in thought or not paying attention to their surroundings, they are described as being in a state of deep thinking or preoccupation. This can also mean being separated from something or not fully engaged with what is happening around them.

Example

She seemed abstracted during the meeting, not paying attention to the discussion.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Comparative: more abstracted

Superlative: most abstracted

Conversation

You seem a bit abstracted today; is everything okay?

Yeah, I was just thinking about some personal stuff.

I get that; sometimes it’s hard to focus when you’re feeling abstracted.

Totally! I should probably talk to someone about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

distracted

preoccupied

removed

Antonyms

attentive

engaged

present

Root Explanation

Abstracted → It is formed from "ab-" (meaning away) and "tractus" (from "tractare", meaning to draw or pull). The word describes a state of being drawn away from reality or focus, often into one's thoughts or imagination.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'drawn away' ('ab-') from your surroundings into your own thoughts — that's what abstracted means.

Visually Confused Words

semiabstracted

bracted

unabstract