ParaPro Assesment Practice Exam

What is the term for a noun that denotes a class of objects or a concept?

1. Proper noun

2. Collective noun

3. Common noun

4. Abstract noun

The correct answer is: Common noun

The term that describes a noun which denotes a class of objects or a concept is commonly known as a common noun. Common nouns refer to general items, categories, or concepts that are not capitalized and are used to name general items rather than specific ones. For instance, words like "dog," "city," and "happiness" exemplify common nouns, as they represent broad classifications or ideas rather than unique individuals or specific instances. In contrast, other noun types serve different purposes: proper nouns name specific people, places, or organizations and are always capitalized; collective nouns refer to a group of individuals or things considered as a single unit; and abstract nouns denote intangible concepts or ideas, such as "love" or "justice." While abstract nouns may seem similar to common nouns, they specifically focus on ideas and emotions rather than classes of objects. Hence, common noun is the accurate term for a noun that denotes a class of objects or a concept.