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An abstract noun is a word that names something you can’t physically see, touch, hear, taste, or smell. It refers to ideas, feelings, qualities, or states rather than something concrete or tangible.
What is an Abstract Noun?
Abstract nouns are special words that talk about things like ideas, feelings, or qualities that we can’t physically experience with our senses. These words describe stuff that isn’t physical or concrete, like love, bravery, or honesty. Proverbs often use these words to share wise thoughts or lessons about life.
Also Check: Plural Nouns
Definition of an Abstract Noun
An abstract noun is a special type of word that doesn’t refer to something you can touch or see. It’s more about ideas or qualities, like ‘beauty’ or ‘freedom.’ The Oxford Learners Dictionary describes it this way. Collins Dictionary also defines it similarly, pointing out that it represents qualities or ideas instead of physical things.
Types of Abstract Nouns
Identifying whether a noun is abstract or concrete isn’t always simple. Grammar experts disagree on some terms, which makes it harder. The line between abstract and concrete nouns can be unclear. Take “laughter,” for instance. Some lists label it as abstract, while others don’t because it involves sound, sight, and physical sensation.
Also Check: Singular Nouns
Examples of Abstract Noun
Love: It’s a feeling of deep affection and care.
Happiness: It’s a state of being joyful or content.
Courage: It’s the quality of being brave or fearless.
Friendship: It represents the bond and connection between friends.
Freedom: It signifies the state of being able to act and make choices without constraints.
Justice: It’s the principle of fairness and righteousness.
Kindness: It’s the quality of being compassionate and considerate.
Peace: It’s a state of tranquility and absence of conflict.
Honesty: It’s the quality of being truthful and sincere.
Wisdom: It’s the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment.
Also check: Common Nouns
How to Convert Verb to Abstract Noun
You can transform a doing word (verb) or a describing word (adjective) into a general idea word (abstract noun) by adding a suffix, and you can do the opposite too. Check out these examples to see how it works.
| Verb | Abstract Noun |
|---|---|
| Move | Movement |
| Reflect | Reflection |
| Perceive | Perception |
| Conscious | Consciousness |
| Appear | Appearance |
| Resist | Resistance |
| Appoint | Appointment |
| Enjoy | Enjoyment |
| Assign | Assignment |
| Inform | Information |
| Decide | Decision |
| Describe | Description |
| Determine | Determination |
| Block | Blockade |
Also Check: Proper Nouns
Abstract Nouns FAQs
What is abstract nouns with examples?
Abstract nouns are things you can't see or touch, like emotions or ideas. Examples include love, happiness, and bravery.
What is the abstract noun of the verb give?
The abstract noun for 'give' is 'generosity', which means the quality of being generous.
What is the abstract noun from the verb know?
The abstract noun for 'know' is 'knowledge', which means information and understanding.
Why are abstract nouns important?
Abstract nouns help express feelings, concepts, or ideas in writing, making language richer and more expressive.
Which word in a sentence is an example of an abstract noun?
Words like 'freedom', 'honesty', or 'joy' in a sentence show examples of abstract nouns, representing ideas or qualities.
