teetotaler
5 synonyms and 2 antonyms for teetotaler, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person who never drinks alcohol at all, as a matter of principle or personal choice.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use teetotaler
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a lifelong teetotaler
a strict teetotaler
raised a teetotaler
Neutral and slightly old-fashioned. British English spells it teetotaller, with two l's; American English uses one.
Etymology
From total, with the initial t reduplicated for emphasis (tee-total), a formation that arose in the temperance movement of the early 19th century.
Full origin of teetotaler →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a teetotaler and someone who is sober?
A teetotaler is a person who never drinks alcohol as a standing habit or principle, whether or not they ever had a problem with it. Sober describes a state — not currently under the influence — and is also used of someone in recovery from alcohol dependence. Every teetotaler is sober, but not everyone who is sober is a teetotaler.
Is it spelled teetotaler or teetotaller?
Both are correct. Teetotaler with one l is standard in American English, and teetotaller with two l's is standard in British and Australian English.
Does teetotal have anything to do with tea?
No. Despite the popular story about drinking tea instead of beer, the word comes from repeating the t of total for emphasis — tee-total, meaning totally abstaining. The tea spelling is a coincidence.
