What is an Abstract Word?

S2-SA4-0136

Grade Level:

Class 3

NLP, Law, History, Social Sciences, Literature, Journalism, Communication

Definition

What is it?

An abstract word names something you cannot touch, see, hear, smell, or taste. It refers to ideas, feelings, qualities, or concepts that exist only in our minds, not as physical objects. Think of things like emotions, ideas, or states of being.

Simple Example

Quick Example

Imagine you are very happy after your school's annual day function. 'Happiness' is an abstract word because you can feel it, but you can't hold happiness in your hand like a ladoo or see it like your friend.

Worked Example

Step-by-Step

Let's identify abstract words in sentences: --- Step 1: Read the sentence: "The children showed great courage on stage during the play." --- Step 2: Look for words that name things you can't touch or see. 'Children' are people (concrete). 'Stage' is a place (concrete). 'Play' is an event (concrete). --- Step 3: Consider 'courage'. Can you touch courage? Can you see courage walking around? No, courage is a quality or a feeling. --- Step 4: Therefore, 'courage' is an abstract word. --- Answer: Courage

Why It Matters

Understanding abstract words helps you express complex ideas and feelings clearly, which is vital in literature and journalism. Lawyers use abstract words like 'justice' and 'freedom' to argue cases, and historians discuss concepts like 'democracy' or 'revolution'. This skill is key for good communication in many careers.

Common Mistakes

MISTAKE: Thinking any non-living thing is abstract. | CORRECTION: Abstract words are about ideas or qualities, not physical objects, even if they are non-living. A 'chair' is non-living but concrete because you can touch it.

MISTAKE: Confusing actions (verbs) with abstract nouns. | CORRECTION: An action word like 'running' is a verb. The idea of 'freedom' is an abstract noun. Look for words that name a concept or quality.

MISTAKE: Assuming all feelings are concrete because you feel them in your body. | CORRECTION: While you feel emotions, the emotion itself (like 'joy' or 'sadness') is an abstract concept, not a physical object you can hold.

Practice Questions

Try It Yourself

QUESTION: Which word in the following sentence is abstract? 'My grandmother always shares her wisdom with me.' | ANSWER: wisdom

QUESTION: Identify the abstract word: 'The team celebrated their victory with great enthusiasm.' | ANSWER: enthusiasm

QUESTION: Pick out the two abstract words from this sentence: 'Honesty and kindness are important qualities for true friendship.' | ANSWER: Honesty, kindness, friendship

MCQ

Quick Quiz

Which of these is an abstract word?

Table

Book

Joy

Mango

The Correct Answer Is:

Joy' is an emotion or feeling that cannot be touched or seen, making it an abstract word. 'Table', 'Book', and 'Mango' are all physical objects you can interact with, so they are concrete.

Real World Connection

In the Real World

When you read news articles about current events in India, like discussions on 'economic growth' or 'national security', these are abstract concepts. Political leaders often use abstract words to inspire 'hope' or talk about 'progress' for the country.

Key Vocabulary

Key Terms

ABSTRACT: Not existing in a physical form; relating to ideas or qualities | CONCRETE: Existing in a material or physical form; able to be touched or seen | NOUN: A word that names a person, place, thing, or idea | EMOTION: A strong feeling such as joy or sadness | CONCEPT: An idea or a principle

What's Next

What to Learn Next

Now that you understand abstract words, you can learn about 'Concrete Words'. This will help you see the difference clearly and make your writing more vivid and interesting by using both types effectively.