abstention
C1Formal, official, academic
Definition
Meaning
The act of deliberately not voting or not participating in something.
A formal refusal to vote on a matter; the practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something, especially alcohol or other pleasures.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in formal contexts like voting, politics, law, and discussions of personal restraint. Implies a conscious, deliberate choice not to act.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. 'Abstention' is the standard term in both varieties for formal non-voting. In informal US contexts, 'abstaining' or 'not voting' might be more common.
Connotations
Neutral to formal. In parliamentary contexts, it's a standard procedural term.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English due to parliamentary reporting, but common in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
abstention (from something)abstention (on a motion/resolution)abstention (by a member/country)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sit on one's hands (informal for not voting/acting)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in shareholder meetings: 'The board noted the significant abstention on the executive pay vote.'
Academic
Used in political science: 'Voter abstention is analysed as a form of political expression.'
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used humorously: 'My abstention from the office cake is for health reasons.'
Technical
A formal term in parliamentary procedure and UN resolutions.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The MP will abstain from the vote on the new bill.
- I've decided to abstain from social media this weekend.
American English
- The senator chose to abstain on the confirmation hearing.
- She's abstaining from sugar for the month.
adverb
British English
- The committee voted, with several members acting abstentionistically.
- He lived abstentionistically, avoiding all luxuries.
American English
- She participated abstentionistically, observing but not engaging.
- The delegate voted abstentionistically, citing a conflict of interest.
adjective
British English
- The abstentionist policy of the party caused controversy.
- He took an abstentionist stance on the ethical issue.
American English
- The abstentionist vote was higher than expected.
- Abstentionist movements can influence political outcomes.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There were five votes for, three against, and two abstentions.
- His abstention from the debate was surprising.
- The resolution passed with 10 votes in favour, 4 against, and a single abstention from France.
- A period of abstention from caffeine improved her sleep.
- High voter abstention rates are often interpreted as a sign of political disillusionment.
- The monk's life was defined by abstention from worldly possessions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ABSTAIN-tion. If you ABSTAIN from voting, you make an ABSTENTION.
Conceptual Metaphor
NON-PARTICIPATION IS A DELIBERATE STEP BACK (from a process).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'abstinence' (воздержание) which is broader, often about pleasures. 'Abstention' is more specific to voting/formal non-participation.
- Not 'отказ' (refusal) or 'бойкот' (boycott). It's a neutral, procedural term.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'abstention' to mean a simple absence (it requires intent).
- Confusing 'abstention' (the act/noun) with 'abstain' (the verb).
- Misspelling as 'abstension'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'abstention' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Abstention' usually refers to a single, specific act of not doing something (like voting). 'Abstinence' refers to a general practice or habit of refraining, often from pleasures like alcohol or sex.
No. In formal voting, an abstention is a recorded non-vote. It reduces the number of votes needed for a majority but is not counted for or against the motion.
Yes, but formally. You can speak of 'abstention from alcohol' or 'abstention from comment', though 'abstinence' or 'refraining' might be more common in everyday contexts.
It's more idiomatic to say 'I abstained' or 'I recorded an abstention'. 'Made an abstention' is understandable but slightly awkward.
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Formal Debate Language
C2 · 48 words · Language for structured academic and political debate.