What is the abstract noun of defend? Is 'defence' an abstract noun? Which type of abstract noun is 'defence'?
Hello, students! The abstract noun formed from the verb 'defend' is 'defence' (or 'defense' in American English). 'Defence' refers to the action of defending against or resisting attack. While 'defend' is the action of protecting, 'defence' is the act or system of protection itself. Let's explore this abstract noun.
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What is the Abstract Noun 'Defence'?
The word defence is an abstract noun that names an act, a system, or a state. It cannot be perceived by the five senses.
- It represents the act of protecting: The castle walls were its main defence.
- It represents an argument in justification: He made a passionate defence of his actions.
- It can represent a country's military resources: The nation's defence budget was increased.
How 'Defence' is Related to 'Defend'
The abstract noun 'defence' is formed from the verb 'defend'. This is an irregular formation where the end of the word changes from '-end' to '-ence'.
| Root Word (Verb) | Formation Change | Abstract Noun (Act/State) | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defend | -end to -ence | Defence | The lawyer prepared his client's defence. |
| Offend | -end to -ence | Offence | He took offence at her comment. |
| Pretend | -end to -ence | Pretence | He made a pretence of being asleep. |
Functions of 'Defence' in a Sentence
As a noun, 'defence' can serve several roles in a sentence:
- As a Subject: Their best defence was a strong attack.
- As a Direct Object: The witness gave evidence in his defence.
- As an Object of a Preposition: He acted in self-defence.
- As a Subject Complement: The moat was the castle's primary defence.
'Defence' (Noun) vs. 'Defend' (Verb)
It is important to distinguish between the noun 'defence', the verb 'defend', the adjective 'defensive', and the adverb 'defensively'.
| Word | Part of Speech / Type | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defence/Defense | Abstract Noun | The action of resisting attack; a justification. | The team's defence was unbreakable. |
| Defend | Verb | To resist an attack; to speak in favour of. | A soldier's duty is to defend the country. |
| Defensive | Adjective | Used or intended to defend or protect. | He adopted a defensive posture. |
| Defensively | Adverb | In a manner that defends or protects. | She reacted defensively to the criticism. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the abstract noun of defend?
The abstract noun of 'defend' is defence (or defense in American English). It refers to the act or system of protection.
Is 'defence' an abstract noun?
Yes, 'defence' is an abstract noun because it refers to the intangible concept of protection or justification, not a physical object.
Which type of abstract noun is 'defence'?
'Defence' belongs to the category of abstract nouns that represent an act or state, similar to "protection," "resistance," or "justification."
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Word
Choose the correct word (defence, defend, defensive, or defensively) to complete the sentences.
- He had to _______ his title in the championship match.
- Don't be so _______; I was only asking a question.
- The government is responsible for national _______.
- The cat arched its back _______ when the dog approached.
- What is your _______ against these accusations?
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct word: defence, defend, or defensive.
- The lawyer's job is to _______ the client.
- The city's ancient walls were its main form of _______.
- He immediately got _______ when his work was criticized.
- She wrote a long letter in _______ of her friend's character.
- The coach focused on improving the team's _______ strategy.
Quizzes
Quiz 1: True or False
Read the statements and decide if they are True or False.
- 'Defend' is an abstract noun. (True / False)
- 'Defence' and 'defense' are both correct spellings. (True / False)
- 'Defensively' is an adjective. (True / False)
- In "The best defence is a good offence," 'defence' is the subject. (True / False)
Quiz 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct option for each question.
- Which word is the abstract noun?
(a) Defend (b) Defensive (c) Defence - "The lawyer presented a strong _______ for her client."
(a) defend (b) defence (c) defensive - "You must learn to _______ yourself against bullies."
(a) defend (b) defence (c) defensively