abstract thinking

noun
UK /ˈæbstrækt ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/
US /ˈæbstrækt ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/

Thinking about ideas and things you cannot see or touch.

Solving a puzzle in your head uses abstract thinking.

SYNONYMS

conceptual thinkingidea-based reasoningtheoretical thinkingimaginative thought

RELATED WORDS

imaginationlogiccreativityreasoningconcept

OTHER MEANINGS

2. The ability to understand ideas like love, time, or fairness.

Understanding fairness takes abstract thinking.

3. Thinking that goes beyond what you can see right in front of you.

Planning for the future is a kind of abstract thinking.

4. A way of solving problems using ideas instead of real objects.

She used abstract thinking to figure out the riddle.