adj.
Pronunciation: ab- ' strak-t ə d, ' ab- ˌ
Function: adjective
Date: 1643
1 : withdrawn in mind : inattentive to one's surroundings <said hello but seemed abstracted >
2 : ABSTRACT 4 < abstracted geometric shapes>
– ab · stract · ed · ly adverb
– ab · stract · ed · ness noun
synonyms ABSTRACTED , PREOCCUPIED , ABSENT , ABSENTMINDED , DISTRACTED mean inattentive to what claims or demands consideration. ABSTRACTED implies absorption of the mind in something other than one's surroundings, and often suggests reflection on weighty matters <walking about with an abstracted air>. PREOCCUPIED often implies having one's attention so taken up by thoughts as to neglect others <too preoccupied with her debts to enjoy the meal>. ABSENT stresses inability to fix the mind on present concerns due more to mental wandering than to concentration on other matters <an absent stare>. ABSENTMINDED implies that the mind is fixed elsewhere and often refers to a habit of abstractedness <so absentminded, he's been known to wear mismatched shoes>. DISTRACTED may suggest an inability to concentrate caused by worry, sorrow, or anxiety <was too distracted by grief to continue working>.