Extract vs. Abstract — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 30, 2023
"Extract" refers to drawing out or obtaining something from a source, while "Abstract" denotes a summary or generalization of information. Both involve taking from a larger whole, but in different manners.

Difference Between Extract and Abstract
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"Extract" and "Abstract" are two terms that, at a glance, might seem similar due to their root in the act of taking something from a larger entity. However, their usages and implications are distinct. "Extract" primarily conveys the act of drawing out, removing, or deriving something specific from a source. For instance, one might extract a tooth, or extract information from a document.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Contrastingly, "Abstract" often signifies a summarized or condensed version of a larger body of information. If one reads an abstract of a scientific paper, they're getting the distilled essence of the research without delving into the comprehensive details. This doesn't mean the removal of specific components like "extract" but rather a summarized representation.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Interestingly, both "Extract" and "Abstract" can serve as both nouns and verbs in English. As verbs, to extract is to take out, and to abstract is to condense or summarize. As nouns, an extract is the portion or substance that's been taken out, whereas an abstract is a brief summary.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
In the realms of art and thought, "Abstract" takes on another dimension. Abstract art, for instance, does not attempt to represent reality but seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, colors, and textures. In this sense, it's far from the specificity the term "Extract" suggests, highlighting how these two words can operate in vastly different contexts.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Comparison Chart
Primary Definition
To draw out or remove from a source.
A summary or generalization of information.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Part of Speech
Both a verb (to remove) and noun (the substance removed).
Both a verb (to summarize) and noun (the summary itself).

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Context
More physical or direct action.
More conceptual or summarizing.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Examples in Literature
"Extract a passage from a book."
"An abstract of the novel's plot."

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Extended Meanings
Essence or component of something (e.g., vanilla extract).
Not tied to reality, like abstract art.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Compare with Definitions
Extract
To draw out or remove from a particular source.
The dentist had to extract the damaged tooth.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Abstract
A brief summary capturing the main points of a larger work.
Before reading the full article, she glanced at the abstract.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Extract
A substance derived from a specific source, often concentrated.
She added vanilla extract to the cookie batter.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Abstract
Art that does not represent reality and uses shapes and colors for effect.
The gallery showcased abstract paintings from the 20th century.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Extract
To derive or obtain from a particular reference.
He could extract no information from the silent witness.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Abstract
To summarize or condense information.
He needed to abstract the key details from the report.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Extract
A section or passage taken from a larger work.
The teacher read an extract from the novel to the class.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Abstract
Considered apart from concrete existence
An abstract concept.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
The essence or main component of something.
The extract of the plant has medicinal properties.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Abstract
Not applied or practical; theoretical.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
An extract is a substance made by extracting a part of a raw material, often by using a solvent such as ethanol, oil or water. Extracts may be sold as tinctures, absolutes or in powder form.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Difficult to understand; abstruse
Abstract philosophical problems.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
Remove or take out, especially by effort or force
The fossils are extracted from the chalk

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Denoting something that is immaterial, conceptual, or nonspecific, as an idea or quality
Abstract words like truth and justice.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
Calculate (a root of a number)
Early computers had an instruction to extract a square root

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Impersonal, as in attitude or views.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
A short passage taken from a text, film, or piece of music
An extract from a historical film

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Having an intellectual and affective artistic content that depends solely on intrinsic form rather than on narrative content or pictorial representation
Abstract painting and sculpture.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
A preparation containing the active ingredient of a substance in concentrated form
Natural plant extracts
A shampoo with extract of camomile

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
A statement summarizing the important points of a text.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
To draw or pull out, often with great force or effort
Extract a wisdom tooth.
Used tweezers to extract the splinter.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Something abstract.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
To obtain despite resistance
Extract a promise.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
An abstract of title.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
To obtain from a substance by chemical or mechanical action, as by pressure, distillation, or evaporation.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
To take away; remove
Abstract the most important data from a set of records.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
To remove for separate consideration or publication; excerpt.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
To remove without permission; steal
A painting that was abstracted from the museum.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
To derive or obtain (information, for example) from a source.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
To consider (an idea, for example) as separate from particular examples or objects
Abstract a principle of arrangement from a series of items.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
To deduce (a principle or doctrine); construe (a meaning).

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
(ăbstrăkt′) To write a summary of; summarize
Abstract a long article in a paragraph.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
To derive (pleasure or comfort) from an experience.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
To create artistic abstractions of (something else, such as a concrete object or another style)
"The Bauhaus Functionalists were ... busy unornamenting and abstracting modern architecture, painting and design" (John Barth).

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
(Mathematics) To determine or calculate (the root of a number).

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
An abridgement or summary of a longer publication.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
A passage from a literary work; an excerpt.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Something that concentrates in itself the qualities of a larger item, or multiple items.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
A concentrated preparation of the essential constituents of a food, flavoring, or other substance; a concentrate
Maple extract.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Concentrated essence of a product.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
Something that is extracted or drawn out.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
(medicine) A powdered solid extract of a medicinal substance mixed with lactose.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
A portion of a book or document, incorporated distinctly in another work; a citation; a quotation.
I used an extract of Hemingway's book to demonstrate culture shock.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
An abstraction; an abstract term; that which is abstract.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
A decoction, solution, or infusion made by drawing out from any substance that which gives it its essential and characteristic virtue
Extract of beef
Extract of dandelion
Vanilla extract

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
The theoretical way of looking at things; something that exists only in idealized form.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
Any substance extracted is such a way, and characteristic of that from which it is obtained
Quinine is the most important extract of Peruvian bark.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
(arts) An abstract work of art.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
A solid preparation obtained by evaporating a solution of a drug, etc., or the fresh juice of a plant (distinguished from an abstract).

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
(real estate) A summary title of the key points detailing a tract of land, for ownership; abstract of title.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
(obsolete) A peculiar principle (fundamental essence) once erroneously supposed to form the basis of all vegetable extracts.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
(obsolete) Derived; extracted.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
Ancestry; descent.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Drawn away; removed from; apart from; separate.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
A draft or copy of writing; a certified copy of the proceedings in an action and the judgment therein, with an order for execution.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Not concrete: conceptual, ideal.
Her new film is an abstract piece, combining elements of magic realism, flashbacks, and animation but with very little in terms of plot construction.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
(transitive) To draw out; to pull out; to remove forcibly from a fixed position, as by traction or suction, etc.
To extract a tooth from its socket, a stump from the earth, or a splinter from the finger

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Insufficiently factual.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
(transitive) To withdraw by expression, distillation, or other mechanical or chemical process. Compare abstract (transitive verb).
To extract an essential oil from a plant

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Apart from practice or reality; vague; theoretical; impersonal; not applied.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
(transitive) To take by selection; to choose out; to cite or quote, as a passage from a book.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
(grammar) As a noun, denoting a concept or intangible as opposed to an object, place, or person.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
(transitive) To select parts of a whole
We need to try to extract the positives from the defeat.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Difficult to understand; abstruse; hard to conceptualize.
The politician gave a somewhat abstract answer when asked about their plans to cut spending.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
To determine (a root of a number).
Please extract the cube root of 27.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Separately expressing a property or attribute of an object that is considered to be inherent to that object: attributive, ascriptive.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
To draw out or forth; to pull out; to remove forcibly from a fixed position, as by traction or suction, etc.; as, to extract a tooth from its socket, a stump from the earth, a splinter from the finger.
The beeSits on the bloom extracting liquid sweet.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Pertaining comprehensively to, or representing, a class or group of objects, as opposed to any specific object; considered apart from any application to a particular object: general, generic, nonspecific; representational.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
To take by selection; to choose out; to cite or quote, as a passage from a book.
I have extracted out of that pamphlet a few notorious falsehoods.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
(archaic) Absent-minded.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
That which is extracted or drawn out.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
(arts) Pertaining to the formal aspect of art, such as the lines, colors, shapes, and the relationships among them.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
A portion of a book or document, separately transcribed; a citation; a quotation.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Free from representational qualities, in particular the non-representational styles of the 20th century.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
A decoction, solution, or infusion made by dissolving out from any substance that which gives it its essential and characteristic virtue; essence; as, extract of beef; extract of dandelion; also, any substance so extracted, and characteristic of that from which it is obtained; as, quinine is the most important extract of Peruvian bark.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
(music) Absolute.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
A peculiar principle once erroneously supposed to form the basis of all vegetable extracts; - called also the extractive principle.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
(dance) Lacking a story.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
Extraction; descent.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Being a partial basis for subclasses rather than a complete template for objects.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
A draught or copy of writing; certified copy of the proceedings in an action and the judgement therein, with an order for execution.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
(transitive) To separate; to disengage.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
A solution obtained by steeping or soaking a substance (usually in water)

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
(transitive) To remove; to take away; withdraw.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
A passage selected from a larger work;
He presented excerpts from William James' philosophical writings

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
To steal; to take away; to remove without permission.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
Draw or pull out, usually with some force or effort; also used in an abstract sense;
Pull weeds
Extract a bad tooth
Take out a splinter
Extract information from the telegram

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
(transitive) To summarize; to abridge; to epitomize.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
Get despite difficulties or obstacles;
I extracted a promise from the Dean for two ne positions

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
To conceptualize an ideal subgroup by means of the generalization of an attribute, as follows: by apprehending an attribute inherent to one individual, then separating that attribute and contemplating it by itself, then conceiving of that attribute as a general quality, then despecifying that conceived quality with respect to several or many individuals, and by then ideating a group composed of those individuals perceived to possess said quality.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
Deduce (a principle) or construe (a meaning);
We drew out some interesting linguistic data from the native informant

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
To extract by means of distillation.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
Extract by the process of distillation;
Distill the essence of this compound

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
(transitive) To consider abstractly; to contemplate separately or by itself; to consider theoretically; to look at as a general quality.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
Separate (a metal) from an ore

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
To withdraw oneself; to retire.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
Obtain from a substance, as by mechanical action;
Italians express coffee rather than filter it

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
(transitive) To draw off (interest or attention).
He was wholly abstracted by other objects.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
Take out of a literary work in order to cite or copy

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
To perform the process of abstraction.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Extract
Calculate the root of a number

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
To create abstractions.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
To produce an abstraction, usually by refactoring existing code. Generally used with "out".
He abstracted out the square root function.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Withdraw; separate.
The more abstract . . . we are from the body.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Considered apart from any application to a particular object; separated from matter; existing in the mind only; as, abstract truth, abstract numbers. Hence: ideal; abstruse; difficult.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Expressing a particular property of an object viewed apart from the other properties which constitute it; - opposed to concrete; as, honesty is an abstract word.
A concrete name is a name which stands for a thing; an abstract name which stands for an attribute of a thing. A practice has grown up in more modern times, which, if not introduced by Locke, has gained currency from his example, of applying the expression "abstract name" to all names which are the result of abstraction and generalization, and consequently to all general names, instead of confining it to the names of attributes.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Abstracted; absent in mind.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
To withdraw; to separate; to take away.
He was incapable of forming any opinion or resolution abstracted from his own prejudices.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
To draw off in respect to interest or attention; as, his was wholly abstracted by other objects.
The young stranger had been abstracted and silent.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
To separate, as ideas, by the operation of the mind; to consider by itself; to contemplate separately, as a quality or attribute.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
To epitomize; to abridge.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
To take secretly or dishonestly; to purloin; as, to abstract goods from a parcel, or money from a till.
Von Rosen had quietly abstracted the bearing-reins from the harness.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
To separate, as the more volatile or soluble parts of a substance, by distillation or other chemical processes. In this sense extract is now more generally used.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
To perform the process of abstraction.
I own myself able to abstract in one sense.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
That which comprises or concentrates in itself the essential qualities of a larger thing or of several things. Specifically: A summary or an epitome, as of a treatise or book, or of a statement; a brief.
An abstract of every treatise he had read.
Man, the abstractOf all perfection, which the workmanshipOf Heaven hath modeled.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
A state of separation from other things; as, to consider a subject in the abstract, or apart from other associated things.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
An abstract term.
The concretes "father" and "son" have, or might have, the abstracts "paternity" and "filiety."

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
A powdered solid extract of a vegetable substance mixed with sugar of milk in such proportion that one part of the abstract represents two parts of the original substance.

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
A concept or idea not associated with any specific instance;
He loved her only in the abstract--not in person

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
A sketchy summary of the main points of an argument or theory

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Consider a concept without thinking of a specific example; consider abstractly or theoretically

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Make off with belongings of others

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Consider apart from a particular case or instance;
Let's abstract away from this particular example

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Give an abstract (of)

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Existing only in the mind; separated from embodiment;
Abstract words like `truth' and `justice'

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Not representing or imitating external reality or the objects of nature;
A large abstract painting

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Based on specialized theory;
A theoretical analysis

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Dealing with a subject in the abstract without practical purpose or intention;
Abstract reasoning
Abstract science

Fiza Rafique
Aug 25, 2019
Abstract
Not based on a specific instance; theoretical.
His ideas were too abstract for the general audience.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Abstract
Removed or detached from particular instances.
The concept was abstract, without ties to real-world events.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Common Curiosities
Is "Abstract" art a summary of something?
Not in the traditional sense. Abstract art doesn't represent reality directly but uses forms and colors to create an effect.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Can "Extract" mean a condensed version like "Abstract"?
No, while "Abstract" can mean a summary, "Extract" means a specific portion taken out.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Which term relates more to condensation: Extract or Abstract?
"Abstract" relates more to condensation or summarization.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
What's more specific: an extract or an abstract?
An extract is more specific, as it's a direct portion taken from a source, while an abstract is a general summary.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Is every extract a summary?
No, an extract is a specific portion taken out, not necessarily a summary.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Can an extract be from non-physical sources?
Yes, one can extract information, ideas, or data, which aren't necessarily physical.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Are both "Extract" and "Abstract" nouns and verbs?
Yes, both can function as nouns and verbs, but with different meanings.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Can I extract an abstract from a document?
Yes, you can extract (take out) an abstract (summary) from a larger document.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
If I'm getting the essence of a plant, is that an extract?
Yes, the concentrated essence of a plant is often called an extract.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Which term, Extract or Abstract, is closely related to the essence of something?
"Extract" is more related to the essence or primary component of something.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Is an abstract always shorter than the original work?
Typically, yes. An abstract is meant to summarize the main points of a larger work.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Can I say I extracted the essence of a book?
Yes, but it might be clearer to say you grasped the main ideas or themes of the book.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
If I pull a quote from a book, is that an extract?
Yes, pulling a specific quote or passage from a book can be referred to as an extract.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
In scientific journals, what provides a brief overview of a study?
An abstract provides a brief overview of the study's main points and findings.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Is abstract thinking the same as summarizing thoughts?
Not exactly. Abstract thinking involves conceptual or theoretical ideas, not just summarization.

Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Share Your Discovery

⮪ Previous Comparison
Drama vs. Play
Next Comparison ➦
Lute vs. LyreAuthor Spotlight

Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content editor at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.

Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.