An abstract noun is something you cannot see, touch, hear, smell, or taste.
It is one of the three types of common nouns and is the opposite of a concrete noun, which is something you can experience through the physical senses.
The words Child and childhood illustrate the difference between a noun and an abstract noun.
Child is a concrete noun that refers to a physical being which can be seen and heard. You employ your physical senses to observe and interpret your 4-year-old child drawing on the newly-painted walls with permanent marker.
Childhood, on the other hand, is an abstract noun because you cannot point to it in the physical world. It’s a state of being understood as a uniquely constructed concept—each has his own understanding of what constitutes a childhood.
Some words, like love, can only be identified as an abstract noun based on the context in which it is used. In the sentence, “I love my mother,” love functions as a verb. But in another context, such as in the sentence, “Send my love to your sister when you see her,” love is an abstract noun, functioning as a direct object.
Examples of abstract nouns
- Anger
- Hate
- Peace
- Sympathy
- Compassion
- Bravery
- Courage
- Success
- Honest
- Integrity
- Charity
- Loyalty
- Deceit
- Beauty
- Pain
- Brilliance
- Misery
- Intelligence
- Character
- Charm
- Wisdom
- Good
- Evil
- Hope
- Generosity
Abstract Nouns Used in a Sentence
I need to get more sleep during the week.
My focus is on allowing my essence to be one with the universe.
Parenthood is the ultimate boot camp.
Molly always shares her opinion.