Abstainer: meaning, definitions and examples

General use. Refers to someone who refrains from certain behaviors or substances, usually in the context of alcohol or other pleasures.

• She is an abstainer because she never drinks alcohol at parties.
• An abstainer might avoid not just alcohol, but other indulgences as well.

Used to describe someone who abstains completely from alcoholic beverages. This term often carries a slightly old-fashioned or formal connotation.

• My grandfather is a teetotaler and has never had a drop of alcohol in his life.
• At the wedding, the teetotalers were offered a variety of mocktails.

Specifically used to describe someone who does not consume alcohol, without implying any other forms of abstention.

• As a non-drinker, she found it difficult to socialize in bars.
• He is a non-drinker, so he always orders non-alcoholic beverages.

Used when describing someone who practices severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, often for religious or philosophical reasons.

• The monk leads an ascetic life, foregoing all luxuries.
• His ascetic lifestyle impressed his colleagues, who admired his self-discipline.

Used to describe someone who refrains from participating, particularly in voting or drinking alcohol.

• Despite strong opinions, he remained an abstainer in the local elections.
• As an abstainer, she never touched a drop of alcohol.

Specifically refers to someone who does not vote in elections.

• The number of non-voters significantly impacted the election results.
• Despite being eligible, he remained a non-voter.

Used for someone who does not take part in an activity or event.

• As a non-participant, he stayed on the sidelines during the team-building exercises.
• She chose to be a non-participant in the debate club.

Describes someone who shows a lack of interest or concern, often in a negative context.

• He was apathetic about the election, feeling that his vote wouldn't matter.
• Her apathetic attitude towards her job worried her colleagues.