Abstract Noun

 ABSTRACT NOUN

The word Abstract comes from the Medieval Latin 'abstractus', or from Latin, past participle of 'abstrahere'-to drag away-from abs "away" + trahere "draw", to draw away meaning "withdrawn or separated from material objects or practical matters". It is thought of apart from concrete existence / realities, specific objects, or actual instances: an abstract idea.

There are different types of nouns and all of the types follow the same grammar rules. When most people think of nouns, they think of people, places and things but Abstract Nouns are the opposite. It is a noun that denotes something viewed as a nonmaterial referent. It denotes an abstract or intangible concept, such as envy or joy. It is a noun that you can't see, hear, touch, smell or feel rather it is a feeling, idea, state, quality, action, etc.

   An abstract noun denotes quality, state or action:

• Quality – cleverness, honesty, softness, darkness, wisdom, beauty

• State - poverty, sickness, sorrow, slavery

• Action – laughter, decision, inspection, dacoity

• Names of different arts and sciences are also abstract nouns. Examples

• Music, physics, painting.

• An abstract noun may sometimes change its kind. This depends on its use.

Examples

• Mountains have a great majesty of their own. (majesty used as abstract noun)

• His majesty, the king, pardoned him. (majesty used as proper noun)

• The future of a country depends on its youth. (youth = its young people, a collective noun)

• Poverty destroyed her youth and beauty. (as abstract noun)