abstinence
Abstinence (noun) means the practice of deliberately avoiding something one wants, such as food, alcohol, or sex. Example: “He practised total abstinence from alcohol after the diagnosis.”
How to Use Abstinence
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDeliberately going without something, especially food, alcohol, or sex.
Word Forms
abstinences plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
He practised total _____ from alcohol after the diagnosis.
Etymology
From Old French abstinence, based on Latin abstinentia, from abstineo, "to hold back" — the noun form of "abstain."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for abstinence
See all rhymes for abstinence →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “abstinence” mean?
The word “abstinence” means the practice of deliberately avoiding something one wants, such as food, alcohol, or sex. In plain terms, deliberately going without something, especially food, alcohol, or sex.
How do you pronounce “abstinence”?
“Abstinence” is pronounced AB-stih-nuhns (/ˈæb.stɪ.nəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “abstinence” in a sentence?
Here is “abstinence” used in a sentence: “He practised total abstinence from alcohol after the diagnosis.”
What part of speech is “abstinence”?
“Abstinence” is a noun.
Where does the word “abstinence” come from?
The word “abstinence” comes from Latin. From Old French abstinence, based on Latin abstinentia, from abstineo, "to hold back" — the noun form of "abstain.".
Is “abstinence” a common word?
“Abstinence” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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