What Is an Abstract Noun? | Definition, Examples & Quiz
Abstract nouns name mental constructs that are imperceptible to the five senses (e.g., “concern,” “existentialism,” “democracy,” “ancestry”).
In contrast, concrete nouns name people, places, or things that can be perceived physically.
The changing seasons usher in new fashion trends.
In today’s class we’ll discuss the final chapter.
Concrete and abstract nouns
Abstract and concrete nouns are contrasted in terms of what they describe.
- Abstract nouns refer to anything conceptual that can’t be perceived sensorily, including philosophical movements, emotional states, and units of time.
- Concrete nouns name any person, place, or thing that is (at least in theory) perceptible to the senses, such as subatomic particles, historical figures, and vehicles.
Drowsiness overtook Stephen while he studied, but, as soon as his head hit the pillow, his mind began to race with possibilities for the future.
Many words can function as either abstract or concrete nouns depending on the context. The distinction between concrete and abstract nouns is open to interpretation in many cases.
I’m shopping for art that will liven up my office.
Abstract noun examples
Examples of concrete nouns can fall into several groups, including those in the table that follows. As the examples demonstrate, nouns are considered abstract if they don’t have a physical aspect.
Emotional states and personality traits | weariness, exuberance, neuroticism, optimism, gregariousness, charm, rage, enthusiasm |
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Time periods and units of time | millisecond, Wednesday, weekend, semester, the Cold War era, eon, the space age |
States of being | bankruptcy, solidity, abandonment, elevation, turmoil, ephemerality |
Ideologies and artistic or social movements | Impressionism, pacifism, progressivism, Catholicism, individualism, fanaticism, capitalism |
Philosophical and academic concepts | logos, justice, statistics, etymology, phrenology, simile, fallacy |
Formation of abstract nouns
Abstract nouns typically end in specific suffixes such as “-al” and “-ism” because they’re formed from other parts of speech (e.g., the verb “refer” becomes the noun “referral”).
Many abstract nouns don’t include these suffixes, but words that include these suffixes are usually abstract nouns.
Suffix | Base words | Abstract nouns |
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-al | arrive, appraise, betray, espouse | arrival, appraisal, betrayal, espousal |
-ance | defy, attend, accept, guide | defiance, attendance, acceptance, guidance |
-ation | fascinate, explore, colonize, adore | fascination, exploration, colonization, adoration |
-ence | independent, negligent, adhere, cohere | independence, negligence, adherence, coherence |
-hood | woman, state, adult, sister | womanhood, statehood, adulthood, sisterhood |
-ion | opine, rebel, precise, fuse | opinion, rebellion, precision, fusion |
-ism | vegetarian, imperial, alcohol, cannibal | vegetarianism, imperialism, alcoholism, cannibalism |
-ity | personal, national, liquid, municipal | personality, nationality, liquidity, municipality |
-ment | manage, encourage, align, consign | management, encouragement, alignment, consignment |
-ness | aware, bright, open, random | awareness, brightness, openness, randomness |
-ship | town, member, apprentice, champion | township, membership, apprenticeship, championship |
Abstract nouns quiz
Test your knowledge of abstract nouns using the quiz below. Select the correct answer for each question.
Frequently asked questions about abstract nouns
- How is a concrete noun different from an abstract noun?
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Concrete nouns refer to people, places, or things that are physically observable to the senses. Examples include “Mrs. Robins,” “snowstorm,” “San Juan,” “moonlight,” and “book.”
Abstract nouns, in contrast, name constructs that can’t be observed with the senses, such as ideas, moods, and values. Examples include “nostalgia,” “weekday,” “peace,” “era,” and “academia.”
- Is freedom an abstract or concrete noun?
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“Freedom” is an abstract noun. It denotes a conceptual state beyond the reach of the five senses. Although we can observe tangible expressions of freedom, such as unrestricted movement, the concept exists in the mind and not in the physical realm.
- Is talent an abstract or concrete noun?
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“Talent” is an abstract noun, signifying a conceptual quality, not a physical object. It encompasses innate abilities or skills individuals possess, making it impossible to touch or perceive directly.
- What are the different types of nouns?
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Nouns can be categorized in a wide variety of ways, including the following:
- Concrete nouns and abstract nouns
- Common nouns and proper nouns
- Countable nouns and uncountable nouns
- Plural nouns and singular nouns
- Gerunds
- Appositive nouns
- Generic nouns
- Collective nouns
- Attributive nouns
- Possessive nouns