abstractive

The story

1. Latin · derived fromabstractus“drawn away”
2. Medieval Latin · derived fromabstractivus
3. Middle English · inherited fromabstractif
4. English todayabstractive

From Middle English abstractif, from Medieval Latin abstractivus, from Latin abstractus (“drawn away”) + -ivus (“-ive”). Equivalent to abstract + -ive.

Words from the same roots

First known use, by meaning

• First attested in the late 15ᵗʰ century. Having an abstracting nature or tendency; tending to separate; tending to be withdrawn.
• First attested in the late 15ᵗʰ century. Derived by abstraction; belonging to abstraction.