abstract word

Meaning

1. 1nouncountable

   A word that names an idea, quality, emotion, or state rather than a physical object that can be seen, heard, or touched.

   Grammar: Has the plural abstract words; the opposite is a concrete word, such as table or rain.

   Patterns

   • an abstract word
   • learn abstract words
   • abstract words and concrete words
   • an abstract word for something

   Freedom is an abstract word because it names an idea, not an object.

   Learners often remember concrete words before abstract words.

   In the lesson, students sorted cards into abstract words and concrete words.

Word forms

Common combinations

concrete and abstract words

The worksheet lists concrete and abstract words in two columns.

learn abstract words

Children learn abstract words such as fairness through stories and examples.

teach abstract words

Teachers often use pictures and situations to teach abstract words.

an abstract word like freedom

Happiness is an abstract word like freedom; you cannot point to one in the room.

Synonyms and how they differ

abstract noun

Close only when the word is a noun; abstract word is broader because qualities and feelings can also be expressed by adjectives and other forms.

Opposites

Word family

abstract adjective

Existing as an idea or quality rather than a physical object.

abstraction noun

A general idea formed by separating it from particular examples.

abstractly adverb

In a way concerned with ideas rather than physical details.

Commonly confused: abstract word or abstract noun?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “abstract word”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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