abstinence
Definitions
The practice of refraining from something, especially food, alcohol, or sex
节制；禁欲；戒酒（戒断）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedabs- (away from) + tin (worn-down ten 'hold') + -ence (state) = 'the state of holding yourself away.' Latin abstinēre meant 'to hold back.' Abstinence is holding your own hand back from what you crave — keeping yourself away from food, drink, or desire. The willpower is right there in the word: you grip yourself and refuse to reach.
Root tain still carries 87 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.total abstinence完全戒断
- 2.sexual abstinence禁欲
- 3.abstinence from alcohol戒酒
- 4.practice abstinence实行节制
Example Sentences
- 1.
Total abstinence from alcohol is part of his recovery.
- 2.
The program promotes abstinence rather than moderation.
- 3.
She maintained strict abstinence during the fasting month.
Easily Confused
abstinence vs. abstention: both mean 'holding back,' but abstinence is a lasting habit of refraining (abstinence from alcohol, a way of life), while abstention is usually a single act — most often declining to vote (three abstentions in the vote). Lifestyle → abstinence; one decision (especially a vote) → abstention.