How is an abstract noun determined?

Answer 1

An abstract noun is determined by the meaning of the noun.

An abstract noun is a word for something that can't be experienced by any of the five physical senses; something that can't be seen, heard, smelled, tasted, or touched. An abstract noun is a word for something that is known, learned, thought, understood, or felt emotionally.

Some examples are: ability, beauty, courage, danger, education, fun, generosity, help, ignorance, etc.

A concrete noun is a word for something that can be experienced by any of the five physical senses; something that can be seen, heard, smelled, tasted, or touched.

Some examples are: apple, boy, car, drugstore, egg, frog, grandmother, helicopter, ice, journal, etc.

There are some nouns that can be abstract or concrete, depending on use; for example:

The noun 'edge' is a concrete noun as a word for the sharp side of a blade or a tool; the part of something the farthest out.

The noun 'edge' is an abstract noun as a word for an advantage.

The noun 'football' is a concrete noun as a word for a ball used to play a sport.

The noun 'football' is an abstract noun as a word for a game or a sport.

The noun 'licence' is a concrete noun as a word for a written document or an identification affixed to a vehicle.

The noun 'licence' is an abstract noun as a word for permission.