How to pronounce abstract
Say it like ab-STRAKT. Abstract has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STRAKT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce abstract. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ab
- STRAKT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Abstract pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- abKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- STRAKTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of abstract
American and British speakers say abstract in essentially the same way: /æbˈstrækt/ in the US and /æbˈstrækt/ in the UK.
British respelling: ab-STRAKT.
Other ways to say abstract
Abstract also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- AB-strakt /ˈæbˌstrækt/
What does abstract mean?
- consider a concept without thinking of a specific example; consider abstractly or theoretically
- make off with belongings of others
- consider apart from a particular case or instance“Let's abstract away from this particular example”
- existing only in the mind; separated from embodiment“abstract words like `truth' and `justice'”
- not representing or imitating external reality or the objects of nature“a large abstract painting”
- dealing with a subject in the abstract without practical purpose or intention“abstract reasoning”“abstract science”
- a concept or idea not associated with any specific instance“he loved her only in the abstract--not in person”
- a sketchy summary of the main points of an argument or theory
Where does abstract come from?
From Middle English abstract, borrowed from Latin abstractus, perfect passive participle of abstrahō (“draw away”), formed from abs- (“away”) + trahō (“to pull, draw”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with abstract
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of abstract.
Questions about saying abstract
How do you pronounce abstract?
Say ab-STRAKT. The American pronunciation is /æbˈstrækt/. In British English it is /æbˈstrækt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in abstract?
Abstract has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STRAKT). Broken into parts: ab · STRAKT.
Do Americans and Brits say abstract the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /æbˈstrækt/ and the British form is /æbˈstrækt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.