What is the term for a noun that represents a quality or idea?

An abstract noun is a term that signifies a quality, concept, or idea that cannot be experienced through the five senses. Unlike concrete nouns, which refer to physical objects that can be perceived directly (e.g., "apple" or "car"), abstract nouns convey intangible concepts such as love, happiness, freedom, or bravery. They are important in language because they allow us to discuss feelings, qualities, and ideas that are essential for deeper communication and expression.

In contrast, the other types of nouns mentioned have different meanings. Collective nouns refer to groups of individuals or things considered as a single unit, such as "team" or "flock." Proper nouns denote specific names for particular entities, often capitalized, like "Sarah" or "New York." Understanding these distinctions is crucial in distinguishing between the various categories of nouns in language use.