抽象名詞是事物的動作、狀態、品質等其他的抽象概念。但是在英語裡,有6個抽象名詞詞意豐富,在表達個體概念時,還可以用作可數名詞。
surprise 驚訝 / a surprise 一件令人驚訝的事
She looked up in surprise.
她驚訝地抬起頭。
I gave her a surprise on Christmas Eve.
我在聖誕節前一天給了她一個驚喜。
success 成功 / a success 一件(個)成功的事(人)
What's her recipe for success?
她成功的秘訣是什麼?
The movie has been a big success.
這個電影非常成功。
honour 榮譽 / an honour 一個(件)引人尊敬的人(事)
She is an honour to the profession.
她是這一行業的光榮。
Poor as he was, he will not sell his honour at any price.
他雖然窮,但無論如何也不出賣自己的榮譽。
failure 失敗 / a failure 一個(件)失敗的人(事)
The attempt was doomed to failure.
這次嘗試註定失敗。
I felt foolish and a failure.
我感覺自己是個愚蠢的失敗者。
beauty 美麗 / a beauty 美麗的人或事物
She has been a beauty in her day.
她年輕時是個美人。
Her beauty overpowered him.
她的美貌令他傾倒。
plesure 樂趣 / a pleasure 一件樂事
It's a plesure to meet you.
很高興認識你。
He agreed with obvious pleasure.
他很高興地同意了。