Abstract Nouns – Definition, Examples, List, Usage

An abstract noun is a kind of noun that represents ideas, things, and experiences. It is an important part of Nouns. It is an important topic for all students, especially for those who are preparing for competitive examinations. One or more questions from this topic are asked in every competitive examination. 

What is an Abstract Noun?

In general, nouns refer to ideas, places, things, objects, and people. Some ideas or things are not touchable. They do not exist physically and you can not sense them with your five senses. This type of Noun is known as Abstract Noun. It is intangible. 

Abstract Noun Definition

Nouns that can not be tangible or touchable are called Abstract Nouns. Abstract nouns are kinds of ideas, things, and experiences that are invisible, and untouchable. 

Abstract Noun Definition for Kids

Abstract nouns are words that you can’t see or touch because they represent ideas, feelings, or qualities. They’re like invisible things that help us understand the world around us. For example, words like love, bravery, and happiness are all abstract nouns because they describe feelings or concepts rather than physical objects. So, when you talk about something that you can feel or think about but can’t hold in your hand, you’re probably talking about an abstract noun!

Abstract Noun Examples

Love, life, death, pain, trust, honor, pleasure, sadness, madness, fear, happiness, loyalty, stupidity, weakness, maturity, ethics etc. 

List of Abstract Nouns

• Ideas : Life, death, pleasure, independence, information, trust 
• Emotion : Love, hatred, happiness, sadness, fear. 
• Traits : Courage, loyalty, maturity, stupidity, elegance, aggression, patience.
• Philosophical Concepts: Relativity, democracy, industrialism, ethics, capitalism. 

Uses of Abstract Nouns in a Sentence

Abstract nouns work as subject as well as objects perfectly in a sentence. It follows the same rules as the other nouns. Abstract nouns can also take a possessive nouns form. It can be singular noun or plural noun. 

Abstract Nouns vs Concrete Nouns 

Both Abstract nouns and concrete nouns are types of Nouns. There are some differences between these two nouns. Here we discussed these differences. 

Abstract Nouns	Concrete Nouns
It can not taste, see, smell or touch.	It can taste, see, smell or touch.
As an example, Love is an abstract noun because it can not be touched or seen.	As an example, Boy is a concrete noun because it can be touched or seen.

Verbs and Adjectives Conversion into Abstract Nouns 

Abstract nouns can be created from verbs and adjectives by taking the root word and adding a suffix or prefix. 

Converting Verbs to Abstract Nouns

Move ⇒ movement

Enjoy ⇒ enjoyment

Appoint ⇒ Appointment 

Decide ⇒ decision

Assign ⇒ assignment

Describe ⇒ description

Resist ⇒ resistance

Converting Adjectives to Abstract Nouns

Brave ⇒ bravery

Truth ⇒ truthful

Honest ⇒ honesty

Weak ⇒ weakness 

Sad ⇒ sadness

Mad ⇒ madness

Possible ⇒ possibility 

Silent ⇒ silence

Abstract Nouns Exercise

Read the sentences carefully and identify the abstract nouns given below. 

1. Honesty is the best policy. 

2. Friendship is a valuable thing. 

3. Please keep silence. 

4. You take the right decision. 

5. Madness makes you crazy. 

6. Love makes a man perfect. 

7. Kindness is a great quality of a man. 

8. This is our first victory. 

9. Achievement provides pleasure. 

10. The army showed great courage on the battlefield. 

Answer  

1. Honesty

2. Friendship

3. Silence 

4. Decision

5. Madness 

6. Love 

7. Kindness 

8. Victory

9. Pleasure 

10. Courage 

Abstract Nouns- FAQs

Q1. What is an abstract noun? 

Answer: In general, nouns refer to ideas, places, things, objects and people. Some ideas or things are not touchable. It do not exist physically and you can not sense them with your five senses. This type of noun is known as Abstract Noun. It is intangible.  

Q2. Give some examples of abstract nouns. 

Answer: 1. Honesty

2. Friendship

3. Silence

4. Decision

5. Madness

6. Love

7. Kindness

8. Victory

9. Pleasure

10. Courage 

Q3. Give some examples of abstract nouns in sentences. 

Answer: 1. Honesty is the best policy.

2. Friendship is a valuable thing.

3. Please keep silence.

4. You take the right decision.

5. Madness makes you crazy.

6. Love makes a man perfect.

7. Kindness is a great quality of a man.

8. This is our first victory.

9. Achievement provides pleasure.

10. The army showed great courage in the battlefield.