Abstract Words – Generalisation, Vagueness And Its Popularity

abstract words

Abstract words refer to concepts or ideas-things you cannot see, hear, taste, touch, or smell. Examples include; love, success, freedom, good, moral, democracy, and any -ism (chauvinism, Communism, feminism, racism, sexism).

You may think you understand and agree with me when I say, “We all want success.” But surely we don’t all want the same things. Success means different things to each of us, and you can’t be sure of what I mean by that abstract term. On the other hand, if I say “I want a gold Rolex on my wrist and a Mercedes in my driveway,” you know exactly what I mean (and you know whether you want the same things or different things). Can you see that concrete terms are clearer and more interesting than abstract words?

Unfortunately the very vagueness of abstract words is one of the reasons for their popularity. To express one’s thoughts accurately is hard work, and to be precise is sometimes dangerous. Abstract words detach the mind of the writer from the realities of here and now, from when and how and in what mood the thing was done, and insensibly induce a habit of abstraction, generalisation and vagueness. Balanced composition is probably a good thing. Enjoy!