Abstract Nouns definition and Examples in English Discover the definition of abstract nouns and explore examples in English with this informative article. Learn how abstract nouns represent concepts and ideas that cannot be perceived through the senses and see how they are used in sentences. Understand the differences between concrete and abstract nouns, and see how abstract nouns can be used to enhance your writing and communication skills. Improve your grasp of English grammar and vocabulary with this comprehensive guide to abstract nouns.
Abstract Nouns definition and Examples in English
Table of Contents
Definition of Abstract Nouns:
Abstract nouns are words that represent ideas, concepts, or emotions that cannot be perceived through the five senses. They are intangible and represent things that are not physical. Abstract nouns are often things that people feel, think, or believe in.
Examples of Abstract Nouns:
Some common examples of abstract nouns include: love, hate, courage, freedom, democracy, honesty, truth, hope, anger, happiness, and friendship.
examples of abstract nouns in English:
- Love
- Fear
- Joy
- Anger
- Courage
- Kindness
- Honesty
- Loyalty
- Freedom
- Justice
- Wisdom
- Empathy
- Patience
- Trust
- Creativity
- Integrity
- Humility
- Beauty
- Truth
- Happiness
Abstract Nouns vs. Concrete Nouns:
The main difference between abstract nouns and concrete nouns is that concrete nouns represent physical objects or things that can be perceived through the senses, while abstract nouns represent ideas, concepts, or emotions that cannot be perceived through the senses.
For example, “dog” is a concrete noun because it represents a physical object that can be seen, touched, and heard. On the other hand, “happiness” is an abstract noun because it represents a feeling or emotion that cannot be touched or seen.
| Concrete Nouns | Abstract Nouns | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Words that represent physical objects or things that can be perceived through the senses | Words that represent concepts or ideas that cannot be perceived through the senses |
| Examples | Chair, car, tree, dog, apple, ocean, house, ball, rock | Love, freedom, happiness, knowledge, justice, beauty, courage, loyalty |
| Perceived through | Senses (touch, sight, sound, smell, taste) | Intellectual understanding |
| Tangibility | Tangible and can be physically experienced | Intangible and cannot be physically experienced |
| Description | Can be described using adjectives such as color, size, shape, texture, and material | Can be described using abstract concepts such as emotions, qualities, and characteristics |
| Usage in Writing | Used to provide vivid and specific details about the physical world | Used to express ideas, thoughts, and feelings |
| Examples in Sentences | “The red car zoomed past me.” | “Love is the most powerful force in the world.” |
Common Adjectives used with Abstract Nouns:
Abstract nouns can often be described using adjectives that represent emotions or qualities. Some common adjectives used with abstract nouns include: strong, weak, powerful, powerless, good, bad, happy, sad, true, false, and honest.
Some examples of common adjectives used with abstract nouns:
- Love: unconditional love, true love, deep love, romantic love, selfless love
- Freedom: personal freedom, political freedom, religious freedom, economic freedom, individual freedom
- Honesty: complete honesty, brutal honesty, refreshing honesty, rare honesty, sincere honesty
- Courage: bold courage, heroic courage, moral courage, physical courage, quiet courage
- Happiness: pure happiness, contagious happiness, fleeting happiness, genuine happiness, lasting happiness
- Truth: objective truth, universal truth, eternal truth, hard truth, inconvenient truth
- Anger: intense anger, righteous anger, suppressed anger, irrational anger, explosive anger
- Justice: social justice, racial justice, economic justice, restorative justice, poetic justice
Abstract nouns Exercises :
- Identify the abstract noun in each sentence:
- Sarah’s kindness made everyone feel better.
- The joy of winning the championship was overwhelming.
- The fear of failure prevented him from trying.
- His honesty was appreciated by all.
- The beauty of the sunset took my breath away.
- Rewrite each sentence by changing the concrete noun to an abstract noun:
- Concrete: The new car is fast. Abstract: The ___ of speed is exhilarating.
- Concrete: The puppy is cute. Abstract: The ___ of cuteness is irresistible.
- Concrete: The cake is delicious. Abstract: The ___ of deliciousness is satisfying.
- Concrete: The mountain is tall. Abstract: The ___ of height is impressive.
- Concrete: The ocean is blue. Abstract: The ___ of blueness is calming.
- Create a list of 10 abstract nouns that represent emotions, concepts or ideas that are important to you, and write a short paragraph explaining why each one is important.
- Write a story or essay that includes at least 5 abstract nouns. Use descriptive adjectives to help bring your nouns to life and make your writing more engaging.
