concretization

Noun

concretization (countable and uncountable, plural concretizations)

1. (uncountable) The process of concretizing a general principle or idea by delineating, particularizing, or exemplifying it.
   • There are certain fields in general economics that are at present not so much in need of a broadening of the theoretical basis as in need of a minute working-out and concretization.1934, J. Tinbergen, “Annual Survey of Significant Developments in General Economic Theory,”, in Econometrica, volume 2, number 1, page 25
   • [Law] proceeds from the general (abstract) to the individual (particular); it is a process of increasing individualization and concretization.1961, H. Kelsen, General Theory of Law and State, page 237
2. (countable) Something specific which is the result of a process of concretizing a general principle or idea.
   • This movement gave Sherman his first image—a roller skate—a concretization of pure motion.1979, Trudy Scott, “Stuart Sherman's Singular Spectacles,”, in The Drama Review: TDR, volume 23, number 1, page 75
   • Vodicka's reception history is an empirical study of the post-genesis fortunes of literary works as attested in recorded concretizations (diaries, memoirs, letters, critical reviews, and essays).1993, Lubomír Doležel, "Semiotic Poetics of the Prague School," in Irene Rima Makaryk (ed.) Encyclopedia of Contemporary Literary Theory: Approaches, Scholars, Terms, p. 182 (Google preview)
3. (uncountable) An inability to generalize or perform abstraction accompanied by excessive concentration on specific details, as in a mental disorder or in cognition by children.
   • Another [patient] commented on the fact that the consultant had referred to two of them as "boys" in the demonstration. The concretization of a schizophrenic is exemplified here. One man thought this word meant that the consultant, in order "to keep things on the level of boy-girl, wanted everyone...1969, E. Drage, B. Lange, “Ethical Considerations in the Use of Patients for Demonstration,”, in The American Journal of Nursing, volume 69, number 10, page 2165