A noun is a word that names a person, a place, a thing, or an idea. An abstract noun names something that cannot be seen or held. Many abstract nouns name an idea. Here are examples of an abstract noun:
help, joy, love, hope, peace, sorrow, kindness, truth, loyalty, government, greed, science, death, democracy
Some people are afraid of death.
The United States is founded on the idea of democracy.
The children often show kindness to our neighbors.
Nouns that name an idea are abstract nouns – these things cannot be seen or held.
It’s your turn. Find the noun in this sentence that is abstract: Helping other people brings me great joy. Did you find it? Good for you!