Choose the abstract noun formed from the word given in brackets to fill in the blank:
Everyone in the hostel was upset about the ______ of Rohan’s new cycle from the stand. (thief)
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → theft
Abstract noun from a common noun:
- Some common nouns change their spelling to make an abstract noun. Thief → theft.
- The blank comes after “the” and before “of”, so it needs a noun. “Theft” means the act of stealing.
- Complete sentence: Everyone in the hostel was upset about the theft of Rohan’s new cycle from the stand.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: thieves — Incorrect. “Thieves” is the plural of the common noun “thief”. It means people who steal. It does not name an act or idea. Example: Two thieves were caught at the railway station.
Option 3: thievishly — Incorrect. “Thievishly” is an adverb. It means in a sly way, like a thief. Example: The cat crept thievishly towards the milk.
Option 4: thievish — Incorrect. “Thievish” is an adjective. It means likely to steal. Example: The thievish crows kept snatching our puris.