abstain
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
To deliberately choose not to do something, especially something enjoyable or common that is considered wrong or unhealthy.
To formally refrain from voting in a decision-making process.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In voting contexts, it implies a conscious decision not to support either side, distinct from simply not voting. In other contexts, it strongly implies self-restraint, often for moral or health reasons.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the word identically in meaning. The voting sense is slightly more prominent in British political reporting.
Connotations
Neutral to formal in both. Can carry a slight connotation of moral superiority or strict self-discipline.
Frequency
Similar moderate frequency in both, slightly higher in formal/legal contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
abstain (intransitive)abstain + from + NP/V-ingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “abstain from the fruit of the vine (formal/religious)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in shareholder meetings: 'Several large investors chose to abstain on the merger vote.'
Academic
Used in social science research on behaviour: 'Participants in the control group were asked to abstain from caffeine.'
Everyday
Used for personal lifestyle choices: 'I'm abstaining from sugar this month.'
Technical
Legal/parliamentary procedure: 'The chairperson may abstain to maintain neutrality.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The MP decided to abstain during the crucial division.
- For Lent, she is abstaining from social media.
American English
- The senator chose to abstain from the final roll call vote.
- He's abstaining from red meat for health reasons.
adverb
British English
- (Not a standard adverb; use 'abstemiously' for related concept)
American English
- (Not a standard adverb; use 'abstemiously' for related concept)
adjective
British English
- (Not a standard adjective; use 'abstinent')
American English
- (Not a standard adjective; use 'abstinent')
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He abstains from eating meat.
- Many members abstained in the vote because they were conflicted.
- She abstained from commenting on the scandal.
- The treaty requires signatories to abstain from any act of aggression.
- After his diagnosis, he decided to abstain from alcohol completely.
- The judge abstained from the case due to a perceived conflict of interest, setting a significant ethical precedent.
- A significant minority of delegates abstained, thereby withholding legitimacy from the resolution.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ABSTAIN sounds like 'ab-strain' – you strain yourself to stay AWAY from something.'
Conceptual Metaphor
TEMPTATION IS A FORCE; TO ABSTAIN IS TO RESIST THAT FORCE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'воздерживаться' (to hold back physically/with effort). The English word is more about a principled choice.
- The voting sense is specific and does not mean просто не голосовать (simply not voting) but rather formally declaring neutrality.
Common Mistakes
- Using it transitively: *'He abstained alcohol.' (Correct: 'He abstained FROM alcohol.')
- Confusing it with 'abstinence' (the noun).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best illustrates the core meaning of 'abstain'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Abstain' is a choice not to do something you *could* do, often for personal principles. 'Refuse' is a stronger rejection of something offered or requested.
Yes, but only in the specific voting context (e.g., 'Six members abstained'). In all other meanings, it requires 'from' (abstain from drinking).
It is neutral but context-dependent. It can be positive (showing willpower) or negative (seen as avoiding responsibility in a vote).
The related nouns are 'abstention' (the act of abstaining, especially in voting) and 'abstinence' (the practice of abstaining, especially from pleasures like alcohol or sex).