Abstract Noun: Definition, Examples and How to Use It

What is an Abstract Noun?

We already know what nouns are, they are words that name places, things, persons, or ideas. And a major part of a noun is an abstract noun. But what is an abstract noun? An abstract noun is a noun which we use to describe non-physical or intangible things. These are the things that we can’t physically sense with our five main senses.

A few abstract noun examples are immaterial or abstract things like experiences, traits, concepts, ideas, feelings, and entities are intangible things, meaning we cannot see them, hear them, taste them, smell them, or even touch them.

Unlike concrete nouns, which are used to refer to physical objects, we use abstract nouns to enhance our understanding of complex concepts, philosophical ideas, and ethical principles.

How to Form an Abstract Noun?

Now that you know the abstract noun definition, let’s understand how to form it. To form an abstract noun, you have to add a suffix to adjectives, verbs, and even existing nouns. This way, you will be able to explore broader concepts beyond individual examples.

For example, in a verb like relax, we can add the suffix “action” to show the idea of relaxing. Similarly, in an adjective like good, we can add the suffix “ness” to describe the quality of being good.

However, one thing you should keep in mind is that different words use different suffixes, and you cannot use them as freely. To help you better understand the formation of abstract noun, below is a list of common suffixes that form abstract nouns.

How to Use an Abstract Noun in a Sentence?

Abstract nouns follow the same English grammar rules as other nouns and can be used as a subject as well as an object in a sentence. Additionally, they also follow the same capitalisation rules, can be both singular and plural, and take a possessive form. Below are some abstract noun examples in sentences for you:

1. As Subjects:

• Wisdom is essential for making good decisions.
• Friendship brings warmth and connection to life.
• Freedom is a fundamental human right.

2. As Objects:

• She practised kindness in every interaction.
• They held onto faith during difficult times.
• He searched for happiness in his daily routine.

3. As Complements:

• The festival was a grand celebration of culture.
• His novel was filled with profound insight.
• Their teamwork was a perfect example of unity.

Examples of Abstract Nouns

As you might know from the abstract noun meaning above, we can use abstract nouns for almost everything that is not represented by a concrete noun. Additionally, abstract nouns also cover a wide range of meanings, which we can group into different categories and abstract noun sentences. Some words, particularly those related to emotions, can fit into multiple categories depending on how they are used.

Since abstract nouns are hard to describe as they elude our senses, below is a list of abstract noun examples for your reference.

Below are some abstract noun examples in sentences across different categories to help you better understand their use in a sentence.

1. Patience allowed him to master the skill.
2. She found joy in the little moments.
3. Kindness made a lasting impact on their lives.
4. His determination pushed him forward despite obstacles.
5. Does freedom truly bring contentment?
6. Integrity guided her decisions.
7. Compassion was the key to their friendship.
8. Confidence helped him speak without hesitation.
9. They cherished loyalty above all else.
10. Respect is something that must be earned.

Exercise to Test Your Abstract Nouns Knowledge

To test your understanding, here is an abstract noun worksheet. Here, you have to use your knowledge of the examples of abstract noun we gave above, to fill in the blank spaces of these abstract noun sentences with the suitable noun.

• His ___ for adventure led him to explore uncharted territories.
• The ___ of the team was evident in their victory celebration.
• Her ___ to learn new skills impressed her employer.
• The ___ of child brought joy to everyone around.
• Their ___ for equality inspired a nationwide movement.
• The ___ of the artist’s work was admired by all.
• His ___ to admit his mistake earned him respect.
• The ___ of the event left a lasting impression on the audience.
• Her ___ to overcome obstacles was truly remarkable.
• The ___ of the situation made everyone anxious.

Answer Key:

• Thirst
• Unity
• Willingness
• Innocence
• Fight
• Beauty
• Honesty
• Grandeur
• Determination
• Uncertainty

Conclusion

In conclusion, abstract noun is an important part of the English language as they allow us to express intangible objects. This is essential for understanding and conveying complex thoughts and experiences. In our blog above, we talked about everything that you might need to know, including abstract noun definition, meaning, examples, and how you can use them.

Additionally, if you need any help, then you can connect with our experts at Gradding.com, they will provide tailored help, extensive resources, along with numerous examples of abstract noun to improve your understanding of this noun.

FAQs

1. What is a Concrete Noun?

A concrete noun is a word that we use to describe something physical or tangible, mainly things that we can sense through our five main senses. For example, bottles, cars, pens, books, and more!

2. Difference Between Abstract Noun & Concrete Noun?

The main difference between abstract and concrete nouns is that if you can’t see, hear, taste, smell or touch something, then we will use abstract nouns. Whereas, if you can see, hear, taste, smell or touch something, then we will use concrete nouns. For example, anger and chair, while you can see a chair, you cannot see anger itself.