abstract vs figurative

what is abstract? what is realistic? What is figurative? These are the questions that are constantly brought up when discussing art. The problem is that there is no definite line that distinguishes between the three. All art is abstract being that it can never be truly realistic. One cannot perfectly capture every single detail no matter how hard they try. Paint cannot truly represent flesh or sky or whatever one is trying to realistically portray. However, for me, abstraction is when one intentionally breaks down what they are painting. It should be obvious that the artist intended to simplify of break down work past the point of being easily recognizable to the viewer. I consider realistic work to be work that attempts to portray a real thing, place, or object. It portrays its subject in a natural way and it is obvious that the artist is striving for a realistic representation of their subject rather than breaking it down or portraying it in an abstract atmosphere. This is hard to state in words. I'm trying to write what is in my head on this but I'm not sure if I am being clear. I don't believe there is any true statement that will ever sum up the difference between abstract or realistic. As for figurative, I believe it's any work that involves a figure. Whether it be abstract or realistic.