Abstract vs Purloin: Usage Guidelines and Popular Confusions

Are you confused about the difference between the words “abstract” and “purloin”? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll explore the meanings of these two words and when to use them correctly.

It’s important to note that both “abstract” and “purloin” are proper words in the English language. However, they have very different meanings and are used in different contexts.

When we talk about “abstract,” we’re usually referring to something that is theoretical or conceptual, rather than concrete. An abstract idea or concept is one that is not physical or tangible, but instead exists only in the mind. For example, the concept of love is abstract, as it cannot be seen or touched, but is instead a feeling or emotion.

On the other hand, “purloin” means to steal or take something without permission. This is a concrete action, as it involves physically taking something that belongs to someone else. For example, if you were to take someone’s wallet without their permission, you would be purloining it.

Now that we’ve established the meanings of these two words, let’s explore when and how to use them in your writing.

Define Abstract

An abstract is a brief summary of a research article, thesis, review, conference proceeding, or any in-depth analysis of a particular subject and is often used to help the reader quickly ascertain the paper’s purpose. Abstracting and indexing services for various academic disciplines are aimed at compiling a body of literature for that particular subject.

Define Purloin

Purloin means to steal something, especially when the theft is done in a sneaky or deceitful way. It is a term that is often used in legal contexts to describe the act of theft or embezzlement. Purloining can refer to the theft of physical objects, such as money or property, as well as to the theft of intellectual property, such as ideas or creative works.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, choosing the right words can make all the difference in conveying your message effectively. In this section, we will explore how to properly use the words “abstract” and “purloin” in a sentence.

How To Use “Abstract” In A Sentence

The word “abstract” is often used in the context of describing something that is theoretical or not concrete. Here are some examples of how to use “abstract” in a sentence:

• Her painting was an abstract representation of the human form.
• The concept of love is abstract and difficult to define.
• The professor’s lecture was filled with abstract ideas and philosophical musings.

It is important to note that “abstract” can also be used as a verb, meaning to summarize or extract the essential meaning of something. Here is an example:

• The author abstracted the key points from the research study.

How To Use “Purloin” In A Sentence

The word “purloin” is not commonly used in everyday conversation, but it can be a useful word to know when writing. “Purloin” means to steal, especially in a sneaky or underhanded way. Here are some examples of how to use “purloin” in a sentence:

• The thief purloined the valuable painting from the museum.
• The employee was caught trying to purloin office supplies.
• The politician was accused of purloining campaign funds for personal use.

It is important to use “purloin” in the appropriate context, as it has a negative connotation and can be seen as a harsh word. However, when used correctly, it can add depth and specificity to your writing.

More Examples Of Abstract & Purloin Used In Sentences

In order to further understand the usage of abstract and purloin in sentences, let’s take a look at some examples:

Examples Of Using Abstract In A Sentence

• Her painting was so abstract that it was difficult to discern any recognizable shapes.
• The concept of love is too abstract to be defined by a single definition.
• He spoke in abstract terms, making it hard for us to understand his point of view.
• The abstract nature of the problem made it difficult to come up with a solution.
• She wrote an abstract for her research paper, summarizing the main points.
• The artist’s abstract style was a departure from his earlier, more realistic work.
• The presentation was filled with abstract ideas that left the audience confused.
• The abstract of the article was published in the journal, but the full text was not yet available.
• He enjoyed reading abstract poetry, as it allowed him to interpret the meaning in his own way.
• The abstract concept of time travel has fascinated people for centuries.

Examples Of Using Purloin In A Sentence

• The thief attempted to purloin the valuable jewels from the museum.
• She was caught trying to purloin money from her employer’s cash register.
• The shopkeeper suspected that someone had purloined items from the store.
• The detective was able to catch the thief who had purloined the painting from the gallery.
• He was accused of purloining confidential information from his former employer.
• She couldn’t resist the temptation to purloin a few pieces of candy from the store.
• The company’s computer system had been hacked and someone had purloined sensitive data.
• He was fired from his job for attempting to purloin company property.
• The cat burglar was known for his ability to purloin valuables from even the most secure locations.
• She was shocked to discover that her best friend had purloined her diary and read all of her private thoughts.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using words like abstract and purloin, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have vastly different meanings and should not be used in place of each other. Here are some common mistakes people make when using abstract and purloin interchangeably:

Mistake 1: Using Abstract To Mean Steal

Abstract is often used to describe something that is theoretical or not concrete. However, some people use it to mean steal, which is incorrect. For example, saying “I abstracted the pen from my coworker’s desk” is incorrect. Instead, you should use the word steal to describe the action.

Mistake 2: Using Purloin To Mean Summarize

Purloin is a word that is not commonly used in everyday language. It means to steal something, typically of little value. However, some people use it to mean summarize, which is incorrect. For example, saying “I purloined the main points of the article” is incorrect. Instead, you should use the word summarize to describe the action.

Mistake 3: Using Abstract To Mean Vague

Abstract is often used to describe something that is not concrete or specific. However, some people use it to mean vague, which is incorrect. For example, saying “The instructions were too abstract” to mean that they were unclear or vague is incorrect. Instead, you should use the word vague to describe the instructions.

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it’s important to understand the correct meanings of words and use them appropriately. Here are some tips:

• Look up the definitions of words you are unsure of before using them
• Read and listen to a variety of sources to become familiar with different words and their meanings
• Practice using words in context to ensure you are using them correctly

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between abstract and purloin, context is key. Both words have their own distinct meanings and connotations, and the choice between them can greatly impact the tone and message of your writing. Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between abstract and purloin might change:

Academic Writing

In academic writing, the choice between abstract and purloin can depend on the subject matter and the intended audience. Abstract language is often used in scientific or technical writing, where precision and clarity are paramount. For example, a paper on quantum mechanics might use abstract terms like “wave-particle duality” or “superposition” to describe complex phenomena. On the other hand, purloin language might be more appropriate in a humanities or social science paper, where the focus is on interpreting and analyzing texts or data. For instance, a paper on postcolonial literature might use purloin terms like “subaltern” or “hybridity” to describe the experiences of marginalized groups.

Marketing And Advertising

In marketing and advertising, the choice between abstract and purloin can depend on the target audience and the desired effect. Abstract language can be useful for creating a sense of mystery or intrigue, as well as for conveying complex ideas in a simple way. For example, a perfume ad might use abstract terms like “sensual” or “mysterious” to evoke a certain mood or feeling. On the other hand, purloin language might be more effective for creating a sense of urgency or exclusivity. For instance, a luxury car ad might use purloin terms like “limited edition” or “bespoke” to appeal to high-end consumers.

Everyday Communication

Even in everyday communication, the choice between abstract and purloin can depend on the context and the intended message. Abstract language can be useful for expressing complex emotions or ideas, as well as for creating a sense of distance or detachment. For example, someone might use abstract terms like “existential crisis” or “emotional labor” to describe their inner turmoil. On the other hand, purloin language might be more appropriate for expressing strong opinions or making a point. For instance, someone might use purloin terms like “outrageous” or “unacceptable” to condemn a certain behavior or policy.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using abstract and purloin are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to be aware of. In certain contexts, these words may not follow the standard usage guidelines.

Abstract

One exception to the use of “abstract” is in the field of art. In this context, an abstract piece refers to a work that does not attempt to represent external reality, but instead focuses on the use of color, shape, and form to create a unique visual experience. For example, a painting that consists of a series of geometric shapes arranged in a non-representational manner could be considered abstract.

Another exception to the use of “abstract” is in the field of academic writing. In this context, an abstract is a brief summary of a research article, thesis, review, conference proceeding, or any in-depth analysis of a particular subject and is often used to help the reader quickly ascertain the paper’s purpose. For example, an abstract for a scientific paper might include a brief overview of the research question, methodology, and key findings.

Purloin

The use of “purloin” is generally straightforward, but there are some exceptions to be aware of. One such exception is in the context of literature. In some cases, a character might purloin an item for a noble cause, such as stealing food to feed their starving family. In this context, the act of stealing is not necessarily viewed as morally wrong, but rather as a necessary means of survival.

Another exception to the use of “purloin” is in the context of legal language. In this context, “purloin” may be used to describe theft, but it is often used in a more specific sense to refer to the theft of property by an employee or agent of a company. For example, if an employee were to steal company funds, they could be said to have purloined the money.

Exceptions to the Rules

Word	Context	Exception	Example
Abstract	Art	Non-representational work	A painting consisting of geometric shapes arranged in a non-representational manner
Abstract	Academic writing	Brief summary of a research article	An abstract for a scientific paper that includes a brief overview of the research question, methodology, and key findings
Purloin	Literature	Stealing for a noble cause	A character stealing food to feed their starving family
Purloin	Legal language	Theft by an employee or agent of a company	An employee stealing company funds could be said to have purloined the money

Practice Exercises

Here are some practice exercises that will help readers improve their understanding and use of abstract and purloin in sentences:

Exercise 1: Abstract Or Purloin?

Decide whether the following sentences use the word ‘abstract’ or ‘purloin’ correctly:

Sentence	Word Used
The artist used abstract shapes in her painting.	Abstract
The thief attempted to purloin the jewels from the safe.	Purloin
The writer’s work was too purloin for my taste.	Abstract
The professor’s lecture was full of abstract concepts.	Abstract
The detective was able to abstract the key piece of evidence from the crime scene.	Purloin

Answer Key:

• Sentence 1: Abstract
• Sentence 2: Purloin
• Sentence 3: Abstract
• Sentence 4: Abstract
• Sentence 5: Purloin

Exercise 2: Using Abstract And Purloin In Sentences

Write a sentence using ‘abstract’ and a sentence using ‘purloin’. Then, switch the words and write two more sentences. Finally, write a sentence using both words.

• Abstract: The philosopher’s ideas were too abstract for most people to understand.
• Purloin: The cat purloined a fish from the pond.
• Abstract/Purloin: The thief attempted to abstract the painting from the gallery.
• Purloin/Abstract: The artist used purloined materials to create her abstract sculpture.
• Abstract and Purloin: The detective was able to abstract the key piece of evidence from the crime scene before the thief could purloin it.

Explanation: In this exercise, readers will practice using both words in sentences to reinforce their understanding of their meanings and how they can be used in different contexts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the difference between abstract and purloin lies in their respective meanings and usage in the English language. Abstract refers to something that is theoretical or conceptual, while purloin refers to stealing or taking something without permission. It is important to understand the nuances of these words in order to use them correctly and effectively in writing and conversation.

As language is a constantly evolving entity, it is important to continue learning about grammar and language use. By expanding your vocabulary and understanding of word meanings, you can improve your communication skills and convey your thoughts and ideas more effectively.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

Key Takeaways

• Abstract and purloin are two words with distinct meanings and usage in the English language.
• Abstract refers to something that is theoretical or conceptual, while purloin refers to stealing or taking something without permission.
• Understanding the nuances of these words can improve your writing and communication skills.
• Continuing to learn about grammar and language use can enhance your ability to convey your thoughts and ideas effectively.

By incorporating these key takeaways into your language use, you can elevate your writing and communication skills to the next level.