Abstract words are words that refer to ideas, concepts, or qualities that we cannot experience through the senses. For example, "education" is abstract. It's an idea or concept, but we can't see, hear, touch, taste, or smell it. But "the blue textbook" is concrete because it gives us an image, something we experience through the senses. Another example: "love" is abstract, but "Bill's strong arms" or "Sue's long, dark hair" are both concrete. Not all images are visual, though many of them are. For example, "he smelled of tobacco and sweat" is also a concrete image, although it is not visual. In writing, we have to use abstract ideas, but it's important to use concrete images to help the reader understand the abstract ideas and to experience the ideas, instead of just reading words that refer to the ideas. Now, I want everyone in class to post a reply with an example of an abstract word and an example of a concrete word or phrase. I trust everyone to use good judgment--no profanity or anything that will embarrass anyone! Don't worry if you're not sure you're right. This forum is a place to practice. Let's have fun!