'abstract' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'abstractus', where 'ab-' meant 'away from' and 'trahere' meant 'to draw'.

'abstractus' transformed into the French word 'abstrait', and eventually became the modern English word 'abstract' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to draw away', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence'.