Abstract Noun: Meaning, Definition, Examples and Exercises to Practise

An abstract noun refers to concepts that one cannot see, smell, touch or experience in the physical dimension. Abstract nouns are naming words which one cannot perceive by our five senses. To learn more about abstract nouns, continue reading the blog article below. 

What are Abstract Nouns?

Abstract nouns are things which are not concrete. Your five senses cannot see, smell, hear, or touch it. Abstract things exist only in the mind, on the other hand, something concrete can be easily interacted with one another. Some common examples of abstract nouns are adulthood, happiness, government etc. 

Get to know everything about Nouns

Definition of Abstract Nouns

According to the Collins dictionary, an abstract noun refers to a quality or idea rather than a physical object. It is a noun that refers to an idea or general quality and does not belong to a physical object.  As per the Cambridge Dictionary, abstract nouns are referred to as nouns that do not exist as material objects. 

Examples of Abstract Nouns

All the concepts, ideas, qualities, personality traits, beliefs or states that cannot be perceived by our five senses are known as abstract nouns. They represent things that are intangible in nature and exist in the mind. Here are some examples of abstract nouns with meanings: 

1. Love: An intense feeling of deep affection.
2. Happiness: The state of being happy or joyful.
3. Courage: The ability to confront fear or adversity.
4. Friendship: The state of being friends and the qualities that make a good friend.
5. Freedom: The state of being free, or the power to act, speak, or think without hindrance.
6. Justice: The quality of being fair and reasonable.
7. Knowledge: Information and understanding acquired through learning or experience.

Also Read: Plural Nouns: Definition, Rules, Examples & Exercises

Abstract Nouns vs Concrete Nouns

Abstract nouns and concrete nouns differ in terms of what they describe and mean:

Abstract Nouns: They are referred to anything that cannot be observed directly. They could include personal qualities, measurement of time, concepts and cultural movements. 

Concrete Nouns: They refer to what can be perceived with the senses such as things, people, animals and places. 

Also Read: What are Singular Nouns? Explore Definition, Examples & Exercises

How to Identify Abstract Nouns?

The easiest rule to identify abstract nouns is you have to think about whether the noun can be perceived by the five senses. If not, those are abstract nouns. However, some students confuse abstract nouns with verbs and adjectives. To understand this more efficiently, we have listed the differences between the table given below: 

Abstract Nouns vs Verbs

Verbs are used to describe actions represented by nouns. However, if it cannot be directly perceived by the senses, then it will be termed abstract nouns. 

For example: She sends her love. (Abstract Noun, as it cannot be perceived)

I love her dancing. (Verb, as the word love describes the action of loving her dance)

Abstract Nouns vs Concrete Nouns

It refers to nouns that cannot be seen, heard, smelled, or touched whereas concrete nouns refer to tangible things which can be seen, heard, smelled or touched.

For example: ‘Luck‘ is an abstract noun whereas ‘Chair‘ is a concrete noun. (A chair is visible and can be touched whereas love cannot be touched)

Formation of Abstract Nouns Using Suffixes

These nouns can be made from verbs, adjectives and other nouns by adding suffixes. The commonly added suffixes are –ness, -hood, -tion, -ship, -ty, -age, -acy, -ence, -ment, etc. 

Verbs

Grow	Growth
Relax	Relaxation
Satisfy	Satisfaction
Believe	Belief
Dedicate	Dedication

Adjectives

Beautiful	Beauty
Good	Goodness
Lazy	Laziness
Painful	Pain
Young	Youth

Nouns

True	Truth
Slave	Slavery
Owner	Ownership
Infant	Infancy
Friend	Friendship

Exercises to Practise

Exercise 1: Make the abstract noun from the following words.

1. Stupid
2. Agent 
3. Peculiar
4. Luxurious
5. King 
6. Jealous
7. Humble
8. Coward
9. Warm
10. Chaotic

Answers 1

1. Stupidity
2. Agency
3. Peculiarity 
4. Luxury
5. Kingdom
6. Jealousy
7. Humility
8. Cowardice
9. Warmth
10. Chaos

Exercise 2

1. I felt pain when the dentist took my tooth out.
2. I fell in love with that little child.
3. After dinner, Holly went out for a walk.
4. My mom will pick me time from school every Monday.
5. The puppy jumped on the table and ate the cake.
6. Sarah’s childhood was traumatic.
7. I have full trust in my child’s nanny.
8. She is potting plants in the garden.
9. That child is very intelligent.
10. He is a loyal friend.

Answers 2

1. I felt pain when the dentist took my tooth out.
2. I fell in love with that little child.
3. After dinner, Holly went out for a walk.
4. My mom will pick me time from school every Monday.
5. Puppy jumped on the table and ate cake.
6. Sarah’s childhood was traumatic.
7. I have full trust in my child’s nanny.
8. She is potting plants in the garden.
9. That child is very intelligent.
10. He is a loyal friend.

FAQs

What are instances and abstract nouns?

A noun that designates anything non-physical, or something mental that is not directly perceptible with your senses, is called an abstract noun. “Sadness,” “analysis,” “government,” and “adulthood” are a few examples.

What does the word “abstract” mean?

Intangible characteristics, notions, and concepts are described using abstract terms. These terms, which include “truth,” “honour,” “kindness,” and “grace,” denote concepts that are only known to us intellectually.

What do concrete nouns mean? 

Concrete terms describe palpable things, that possess attributes or traits that we can perceive with our senses.

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