abstract reasoning
nounUK /ˈæbstrækt ˈriːzənɪŋ/
US /ˈæbstrækt ˈrizənɪŋ/
Thinking about ideas and patterns in your head instead of things you can see or touch.
Solving a puzzle about shapes that fit together uses abstract reasoning.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The ability to understand ideas that are not physical objects.
Her abstract reasoning helped her understand fairness and kindness.
3. A skill tested in some school and job tests using shapes and patterns.
The test asked questions about abstract reasoning with number sequences.
4. Thinking that goes beyond concrete facts to find general rules.
Scientists use abstract reasoning to turn observations into theories.