abstraction

The story

1. Latin · derived fromabstrahō“draw away”
2. Medieval Latin · derived fromabstrāctiō“separation”
3. Middle French · derived fromabstraction
4. Middle English · inherited fromabstraccyone
5. English todayabstraction

From Middle English abstraccyone; either from Middle French abstraction or from Medieval Latin abstrāctiō (“separation”), from Latin abstrahō (“draw away”). Equivalent to abstract + -ion.

First known use, by meaning

• First attested around 1350 to 1470. The act of abstracting, separating, withdrawing, or taking away; withdrawal; the state of being taken away.
• First attested around 1350 to 1470. The taking surreptitiously for one's own use part of the property of another; purloining.
• First attested around 1350 to 1470. Removal of water from a river, lake, or aquifer.
• First attested around 1350 to 1470. A separation from worldly objects; a recluse life; the withdrawal from one's senses.
• First attested in the late 16ᵗʰ century. The act of focusing on one characteristic of an object rather than the object as a whole group of characteristics; the act of separating said qualities from the object or ideas.
• First attested in the late 16ᵗʰ century. The act of comparing commonality between distinct objects and organizing using those similarities; the act of generalizing characteristics; the product of said generalization.
• First attested in the late 16ᵗʰ century. An idea or notion of an abstract or theoretical nature.
• First attested in the late 18ᵗʰ century. Absence or absorption of mind; inattention to present objects; preoccupation.