Abstain

Pronunciation: /əbˈsteɪn/

Definitions of abstain

verb to choose not to do or have something, especially something you like or enjoy

Example Sentences

A1 I abstain from eating junk food.

A2 She abstained from voting in the election.

B1 The doctor advised him to abstain from alcohol.

B2 In order to stay focused, he decided to abstain from social media.

C1 The politician chose to abstain from the controversial vote.

C2 The athlete abstained from using performance-enhancing drugs to maintain integrity in the sport.

Examples of abstain in a Sentence

formal It is important to abstain from making any decisions until all the facts are presented.

informal I think I'll abstain from dessert tonight, I'm trying to eat healthier.

slang I'm going to abstain from the drama and just focus on myself.

figurative Sometimes it's best to abstain from voicing your opinion and just listen instead.

Grammatical Forms of abstain

• past tense: abstained
• plural: abstain
• comparative: more abstain
• superlative: most abstain
• present tense: abstains
• future tense: will abstain
• perfect tense: have abstained
• continuous tense: is abstaining
• singular: abstainer
• positive degree: abstain
• infinitive: to abstain
• gerund: abstaining
• participle: abstaining

Origin and Evolution of abstain

First Known Use: 1382 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'abstain' originated from the Latin word 'abstinēre', which means 'to hold back'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'abstain' has retained its original meaning of refraining from doing something, but it has also come to be associated with abstaining from indulging in certain activities, particularly those that are considered unhealthy or immoral.