Examples of Abstract Nouns: An Extensive List

When you’re describing someone as brave or envious, you use adjectives. But the noun forms of these words, bravery and envy, are abstract nouns. More examples of abstract nouns for human qualities include:
 

You can also use abstract nouns to name the way a person feels. These emotion words may include:

Words like independence and democracy represent much more than the letters that spell them out. They’re just a few examples of many abstract nouns that refer to concepts and ideas, including:

Some abstract nouns are too difficult to categorize — much like what they’re trying to describe. Take a look at even more examples of abstract nouns:

Once you know how to identify abstract nouns, you’ll find that you use them all the time. Examples of sentences with abstract nouns include:

• The education of children should be our highest priority.
• Never change your principles.
• Childhood memories are sources of great joy.
• I don’t have enough energy to start my homework now.
• Did you hear the rumor going around the office?
• With some self-discipline, you’ll be a black belt someday.
• Knowledge and wisdom go hand in hand.
• Claire and Lori have enjoyed a 50-year friendship.
• In my opinion, this restaurant is overpriced.
• If you don’t tell the truth in court, you’re breaking the law.

​​There are abstract nouns everywhere you look — even in some of the most famous quotes in history. For example:

• “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.
• “Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice.” - Nelson Mandela
• “I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature.” - John D. Rockefeller
• “Justice means minding one's own business and not meddling with other men's concerns.” - Plato
• “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” - Albert Einstein
• ““The tyranny of some is possible only through the cowardice of others.” - José Rizal
• “What light is to the eyes — what air is to the lungs — what love is to the heart, liberty is to the soul of man.” - Robert Green Ingersoll
• “Anger is the enemy of non-violence and pride is a monster that swallows it up.” - Mahatma Gandhi
• “By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” - Confucius

These examples of abstract nouns show just some of the many varieties of this noun and the ways it communicates something that cannot be experienced with the senses. Since abstract words are by definition abstract, they can mean different things to different people. Make sure that your writing also contains concrete nouns, such as dog, house and hamburger, so your meaning is clear.