AbstinenceThe practice of deliberately not using or doing something pleasurable or harmful. means choosing not to do or use something, especially as a deliberateDone on purpose after careful thought, not by accident. personal practice. It is most often used for avoiding alcohol, sex, or another pleasure, often for health, religious, or self-disciplineControl over your actions and desires, especially to follow a chosen rule. reasons.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-17. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˈæbstənəns/
Easy pronunciation: AB-stuh-nəns (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the first syllable: AB.
Noun meaning the practice of avoiding something, especially alcohol or another indulgence.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-17. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Abstinence Meaning
choosing not to use or take part in something
Part of speech: noun
Definition: the practice of avoiding something, especially alcohol or another indulgence
Example: He chose abstinence from alcohol while training for the marathon.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- abstention — Works as a formal synonym, especially in general or medical contexts.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-17. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Abstinence
Meaning 2
deliberately not giving in to a desire or urge
Part of speech: noun
Definition: the act or practice of refraining from indulging an appetite
Example: Their abstinence from rich food during the fast was strict.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-17. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Abstinence Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- abstention
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-17. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- People sometimes use abstinence and abstention as if they always mean the same thing. Abstinence is the broader idea of deliberately not engaging in something, often a pleasure or habit; abstention is more often used for choosing not to vote or not to participate.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-17. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does abstinence mean?
Abstinence means deliberately choosing not to do or use something, especially something pleasurable or habit-forming.
Is abstinence the same as abstention?
They are close, but not always identical. Abstinence usually refers to avoiding a pleasure or habit, while abstention often means deliberately not taking part, especially in voting or a decision.
What is a simple example of abstinence?
A person who gives up alcohol for health reasons is practicing abstinence.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-17. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.