It is a tool for analysis of word meanings. Basically, words are placed higher or lower on the conceptual "ladder of abstraction" based on how they represent concrete or physical phenomena. Words that are higher on the ladder are more abstract than those that are lower.
Concrete
Lower
top
abstractabstracttop
concrete
at opposite ends of the continuum
feelling or intuition
Concrete examples or specific instances would be used to identify elements at the top of the Ladder of Abstraction, as they are more specific and closer to reality.
The "ladder of abstraction" is a comparison of words in terms of whether they apply to concrete phenomena (a coin) or to more abstract terms (wealth). The higher points on the ladder are the more abstract or general terms.
At the top of the ladder of abstraction are concepts like ideas, philosophies, or theories, which are highly abstract and general in nature. These elements are removed from specific instances or details and tend to be overarching principles that govern more specific and concrete concepts lower on the ladder.
concrete
Concrete words sit at the bottom of the ladder of abstraction. They are specific, tangible, and easily understood, representing objects or ideas that are physical or can be perceived through the senses. Examples include objects like "table" or actions like "running".