What kind of noun is the underlined word in the following sentence?
My brother sleeps till noon every Sunday, so we call him the Kumbhakarna of our family.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Proper noun used as a common noun
Proper noun used as a common noun:
- Sometimes the name of a famous person is used for anyone who has that person’s special quality. Then the proper noun works as a common noun.
- In the Ramayana, Kumbhakarna is famous for sleeping for months. Here “the Kumbhakarna of our family” means a very heavy sleeper.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Proper noun — Incorrect. A proper noun names one particular person or place. Here “Kumbhakarna” does not name the brother of Ravana. It means any very heavy sleeper. Example: Kumbhakarna was the brother of Ravana.
Option 2: Abstract noun — Incorrect. An abstract noun names a quality or feeling that we cannot touch. Here “Kumbhakarna” stands for a person. Example: My brother’s laziness on Sundays annoys Mummy.
Option 3: Material noun — Incorrect. A material noun names a substance that things are made of. “Kumbhakarna” is not a substance. Example: Our old bed is made of teak.