Abstract Nouns
Classify the noun by what it denotes in context. Abstract nouns often name qualities, states, processes, relationships, or concepts, while concrete nouns denote physically perceptible referents. Keep this semantic distinction separate from countability and grammatical number.
An abstract noun names an idea, quality, state, event, or other concept that is not a material object—for example “freedom,” “patience,” “growth,” or “difficulty.” Abstractness is about meaning and does not mean that the noun must be uncountable.
Key details
Important caveats
Countability Boundary
Do not equate abstract with uncountable. Some abstract nouns can be counted in particular meanings, such as “three hopes” or “several difficulties.”
Further guidance
Context
A noun’s classification can depend on sense and context, so use the intended meaning rather than a memorized word list.
Identify
Ask what the noun denotes in the sentence. “Honesty,” “fear,” “permission,” and “progress” name qualities, states, or concepts rather than material objects.
Worked Example
In “Their friendship lasted decades,” “friendship” names a relationship and is abstract. In “Their photograph faded,” “photograph” names a physical object and is concrete.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Nouns (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Places concrete and abstract distinctions within the broader noun system.
- Abstract noun (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Defines abstract nouns as names for qualities, ideas or states rather than material objects.