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Abstaining Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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abstaining

[ษ™bหˆsteษชnษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

from alcohol

Refraining from consuming alcohol.

Synonyms

avoiding, eschewing, forbearing, refraining.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
abstaining

Used in the context of choosing not to engage in a particular activity or behavior, often related to health, ethics, or personal principles.

  • She is abstaining from drinking alcohol during her training period.
  • Many people are abstaining from meat during Lent.
avoiding

Commonly used when someone is actively staying away from a person, situation, or thing to prevent harm, inconvenience, or discomfort.

  • He is avoiding junk food to improve his diet.
  • She started avoiding him after their argument.
refraining

Commonly used for an intentional decision not to do something, often temporarily, usually for practical or ethical reasons.

  • Please refrain from smoking in this area.
  • She is refraining from commenting on the issue until she has more information.
eschewing

Typically used in formal or literary contexts to indicate a deliberate decision to avoid or shun something for moral or practical reasons.

  • The artist is eschewing traditional techniques in favor of modern methods.
  • She eschews all forms of processed food to maintain her health.
forbearing

Used when someone is patiently enduring a refrainment from action, often in difficult or irritating situations. This word can sometimes imply a dignified or noble restraint.

  • He was forbearing his anger despite the provocation.
  • Despite the criticism, she remained forbearing and polite.

Examples of usage

  • He has been abstaining from alcohol for over a year now.
  • She decided to start abstaining from alcohol to improve her health.
  • We are encouraging our friend to join us in abstaining from alcohol for the month.
  • Abstaining from alcohol can have positive effects on both physical and mental health.
  • The doctor recommended abstaining from alcohol while taking the medication.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Practices

  • Many religious practices involve abstaining from certain foods or activities during specific times, such as Lent in Christianity.
  • Some cultures celebrate festivals where they abstain from alcohol or other substances to promote health and wellness.
  • In certain meditation practices, individuals abstain from distractions to enhance their focus and spiritual growth.

Psychology

  • Studies show that abstaining from addictive substances can improve mental clarity and overall health.
  • The psychological concept of self-control plays a significant role in the ability to abstain, reflecting willpower and decision-making.
  • Abstaining from certain habits can lead to increased mindfulness and self-awareness, contributing to personal growth.

Health and Wellness

  • Abstaining from unhealthy foods can lead to significant improvements in physical health and well-being.
  • Intermittent fasting is a form of abstaining that some use to regulate their eating habits and improve metabolism.
  • Mental health professionals often recommend temporary abstaining from social media to reduce anxiety and stress.

Literature

  • In many literary works, characters who practice abstaining often undergo personal transformations, highlighting themes of sacrifice and discipline.
  • Classic literature frequently explores the tension between desire and abstaining, showcasing internal conflict.
  • Poets often compare the act of abstaining to a form of strength, emphasizing the power of choice in their writings.

Origin of 'abstaining'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'abstinere', which means 'to hold back' or 'to restrain from'.
  • It is a combination of 'ab-' meaning 'away from' and 'tenere' meaning 'to hold', illustrating the act of holding oneself back.
  • The term has been used in various contexts since the 14th century, evolving from its original Latin roots.

The word 'abstain' comes from the Latin word 'abstineฬ„re', which means 'to hold back'. It first appeared in English in the 14th century. The concept of abstaining from certain substances or activities has been present in various cultures and societies throughout history, often for religious, health, or moral reasons. Abstaining from alcohol, for example, has been a practice in many cultures for centuries, with different motivations driving individuals to choose this lifestyle.

See also: abstain, abstainer, abstention.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,808, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.