Abstract Noun Definition, Rules, Usage, and Example Sentences • Englishilm

Learn all about the abstract noun definition, rules, usage, and example sentences in English with helpful grammar charts. In this article, we will explore a kind of noun in English that is known as an abstract noun. Let’s explore the abstract noun with helpful examples:

Table of Contents

Abstract Noun Definition

An abstract noun refers to a type of noun that denotes something intangible, conceptual, or without a physical presence. Unlike concrete nouns, which represent tangible objects that can be seen, touched, or heard, abstract nouns represent ideas, qualities, emotions, or states that are not directly observable.

Learn more about common nouns
Learn more about proper nouns
Learn more about concrete nouns

Rules for Abstract Nouns

No Physical Form: Abstract nouns do not have a physical form, making them intangible.
Derived from Concrete Nouns: Abstract nouns are often derived from concrete nouns. For example, “freedom” is derived from the concrete noun “free.”
No Plural Form: Most abstract nouns do not have a plural form. For instance, you say “love” rather than “loves.”
Express Concepts or Qualities: Abstract nouns express concepts, qualities, emotions, or states. Examples include love, happiness, courage, freedom, and knowledge.

Usage of Abstract Nouns

Abstract nouns represent ideas, qualities, emotions, or states that are not directly observable. Here’s a list of abstract noun usages with their helpful example sentences:

Emotions: The abstract noun “joy” expresses a positive emotion. Example: The joy on her face was evident as she opened the unexpected gift.
Qualities: “Bravery” is an abstract noun representing the quality of being brave. Example: The bravery he displayed in facing adversity inspired everyone around him.
States: “Peace” represents a state of tranquility and lack of conflict. Example: Achieving inner peace became her primary goal after a period of turbulence.
Concepts: “Justice” is an abstract concept related to fairness and moral rightness. Example: The pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey with no definitive endpoint.

Pronoun: Definition, Types, and Helpful Examples in English

Types of Abstract Nouns

Abstract nouns encompass a wide range of concepts, emotions, qualities, and states that lack physical form. Here are various types of abstract nouns, each representing a different category of intangible ideas:

Emotions:
- Joy
- Love
- Sadness
- Anger
- Excitement
Qualities:
- Beauty
- Bravery
- Honesty
- Generosity
- Patience
States:
- Peace
- Freedom
- Silence
- Chaos
- Serenity
Concepts:
- Knowledge
- Wisdom
- Justice
- Success
- Failure
Communication:
- Silence
- Speech
- Communication
- Misunderstanding
- Clarity
Time:
- Present
- Past
- Future
- Eternity
- Moment
Actions/Processes:
- Progress
- Change
- Development
- Destruction
- Transition
Human Qualities:
- Curiosity
- Empathy
- Integrity
- Compassion
- Humility
Nature:
- Beauty
- Nature
- Weather
- Seasons
- Harmony
Intellectual Concepts:
- Philosophy
- Logic
- Creativity
- Imagination
- Innovation
Group Dynamics:
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Unity
- Diversity
- Collaboration
Values:
- Freedom
- Equality
- Justice
- Democracy
- Tolerance
Spirituality:
- Faith
- Soul
- Enlightenment
- Holiness
- Devotion
Education:
- Knowledge
- Learning
- Wisdom
- Understanding
- Intelligence
Health:
- Wellness
- Happiness
- Vitality
- Tranquility
- Contentment

Abstract Nouns Suffixes and Examples

Suffixes are added to the end of words to create new words or modify existing ones. While not all abstract nouns have specific suffixes, there are certain suffixes that are commonly associated with abstract nouns. Here are some common suffixes used to form abstract nouns along with examples:

-ness:
- Examples: Happiness, darkness, kindness, awareness, loneliness.
-ity:
- Examples: Creativity, responsibility, flexibility, curiosity, authenticity.
-ment:
- Examples: Development, improvement, achievement, excitement, commitment.
-tion / -sion:
- Examples: Information, education, discussion, decision, persuasion.
-hood:
- Examples: Childhood, adulthood, brotherhood, motherhood, neighborhood.
-ship:
- Examples: Friendship, leadership, partnership, ownership, citizenship.
-ism:
- Examples: Activism, optimism, patriotism, feminism, criticism.
-ance / -ence:
- Examples: Importance, existence, resistance, acceptance, guidance.
-ity:
- Examples: Civility, fertility, fragility, humility, stability.
-cy:
- Examples: Efficiency, transparency, democracy, accuracy, frequency.
-th:
- Examples: Strength, health, depth, warmth, length.
-ment:
- Examples: Adjustment, statement, agreement, excitement, treatment.
-ure:
- Examples: Adventure, capture, failure, gesture, mixture.
-ship:
- Examples: Friendship, relationship, ownership, leadership, partnership.
-hood:
- Examples: Childhood, brotherhood, neighborhood, livelihood, parenthood.

Verb: Definition, Types, and Helpful Examples

Example Sentences of Abstract Nouns

The beauty of the sunset took my breath away.
His kindness towards strangers is truly admirable.
The success of the project brought great satisfaction to the team.
The artist’s work reflects the creativity of his mind.
The speaker emphasized the importance of education in shaping the future.
He is telling the truth to us.
These ladies are always gossiping with each other.
The students lost faith in college management.
His girlfriend blindly believes him.
The entire class laughed at me.
He can withstand the beast of a hammer.
Zara is afraid to go out at midnight after a party.
I know your anger, but you have to be calm.
Don’t underestimate the power of the common man.
Try to control your emotions.
Every person has two sides, good and bad.

Abstract Nouns Examples

The following lists contain different types of abstract nouns with a definition or meaning:

Abstract Noun	Definition
Love	Deep affection and emotional attachment
Happiness	State of being joyful or content
Freedom	The power to act, speak, or think freely
Courage	The ability to confront fear or adversity
Wisdom	The quality of having good judgment
Honesty	Truthfulness and integrity
Knowledge	Information, understanding, and awareness
Friendship	A relationship between friends
Patience	The capacity to tolerate delay or trouble
Justice	Fairness and moral rightness
Peace	A state of tranquility and harmony
Beauty	The quality of being aesthetically pleasing
Confidence	Self-assurance and belief in one’s abilities
Success	Achievement of a desired outcome
Compassion	Sympathy and concern for others’ suffering
Curiosity	A strong desire to know or learn something
Determination	Firmness of purpose and resoluteness
Generosity	Readiness to give more than is necessary
Empathy	Understanding and sharing others’ feelings
Ambition	Strong desire to achieve a goal or succeed
Gratitude	Thankfulness and appreciation
Tolerance	Acceptance of different opinions and beliefs
Resilience	Ability to recover from adversity or setbacks
Liberty	Freedom from arbitrary or oppressive control
Serenity	Calmness and peacefulness
Unity	The state of being united or joined as a whole
Integrity	Adherence to moral and ethical principles
Sincerity	Genuine and honest expression of feelings
Hope	Optimistic expectations for the future
Generosity	Willingness to give and share
Compassion	Deep awareness of and sympathy for another’s suffering
Diversity	Variety and differences within a group or system
Determination	Tenacity and resolve in achieving a goal
Moderation	Avoidance of excess or extremes
Understanding	Ability to comprehend and empathize
Empowerment	Authority and strength to take control
Acceptance	Acknowledgment and approval of something
Innovation	Introduction of new ideas or methods
Resilience	Ability to bounce back from adversity
Forgiveness	Willingness to pardon and let go of resentment
Persistence	Continuance in a course of action despite difficulties
Harmony	Agreement and unity in action or opinion
Decency	Conformity to accepted moral standards
Discretion	Ability to make responsible decisions
Curiosity	Eagerness to learn or know
Tranquility	State of being calm and peaceful
Gratitude	Thankfulness and appreciation
Independence	Freedom from control or influence
Frugality	Thriftiness and economical use of resources
Patriotism	Love and devotion to one’s country
Empathy	Understanding and sharing others’ feelings
Kindness	The quality of being friendly and considerate
Altruism	Selfless concern for the well-being of others
Humility	Modesty and lack of arrogance
Modesty	Lack of vanity or pretentiousness
Clarity	Clearness and lucidity in communication
Flexibility	Ability to adapt and change easily
Innovation	Introduction of new ideas or methods
Liberty	Freedom from arbitrary or oppressive control
Serenity	Calmness and peacefulness
Unity	The state of being united or joined as a whole
Integrity	Adherence to moral and ethical principles
Sincerity	Genuine and honest expression of feelings
Hope	Optimistic expectation for the future
Generosity	Willingness to give and share
Compassion	Deep awareness of and sympathy for another’s suffering
Diversity	Variety and differences within a group or system
Determination	Tenacity and resolve in achieving a goal
Moderation	Avoidance of excess or extremes
Understanding	Ability to comprehend and empathize
Empowerment	Authority and strength to take control
Acceptance	Acknowledgment and approval of something
Innovation	Introduction of new ideas or methods
Resilience	Ability to bounce back from adversity
Forgiveness	Willingness to pardon and let go of resentment
Persistence	Continuance in a course of action despite difficulties
Harmony	Agreement and unity in action or opinion
Decency	Conformity to accepted moral standards
Discretion	Ability to make responsible decisions
Curiosity	Eagerness to learn or know
Tranquility	State of being calm and peaceful

Abstract Noun vs. Concrete Noun

Aspect	Abstract Nouns	Concrete Nouns
Definition	Represent intangible concepts, qualities, emotions, or states without physical form.	Refer to tangible, physical objects or entities with clear, physical existence.
Examples	Love, happiness, courage, knowledge, freedom.	Tree, dog, book, river, chair.
Tangibility	Lack physical form; not directly observable.	Have a physical presence; perceived through the senses.
Perceptibility	Not directly observable; involve feelings, concepts, or qualities.	Easily observed and experienced through sight, touch, smell, taste, or hearing.
Plurality	Often do not have a plural form (e.g., “love” remains “love”).	Typically have plural forms (e.g., “tree” becomes “trees”).
Derived Nature	Can be derived from concrete nouns (e.g., “freedom” from “free”).	Stand alone and don’t represent derived concepts.
Usage Examples	“Her kindness touched everyone.”	“The cat sat on the windowsill.”
Why Understanding Matters	Enhances clarity in communication; ensures accurate expression.	Empowers creative expression, enabling nuanced meanings and vivid descriptions.