self-denial: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “self-denial” mean?
The act of refusing to allow yourself to have or do something you want, often for moral or religious reasons.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of refusing to allow yourself to have or do something you want, often for moral or religious reasons.
A conscious decision to forgo personal pleasures, desires, or comforts, typically as a discipline for spiritual growth, asceticism, health, or to achieve a long-term goal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The concept is expressed identically.
Connotations
Slightly more common in religious discourse in the US. In the UK, may be associated with traditional concepts of 'stiff upper lip' and restraint.
Frequency
Comparable frequency. Slightly higher in religious texts in both variants.
Grammar
How to Use “self-denial” in a Sentence
practice [self-denial]show [self-denial]require [self-denial]be an act of [self-denial]live a life of [self-denial]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “self-denial” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She will self-deny to save for her holiday.
- The monk's life involved constantly self-denying.
American English
- He self-denied for a month to focus on his project.
- Self-denying is a key part of their religious practice.
adverb
British English
- He lived self-denyingly for years.
- They acted self-denyingly to achieve their goal.
American English
- She ate self-denyingly throughout her training.
- He spent his money self-denyingly.
adjective
British English
- She led a self-denying life of quiet study.
- The regime was strict and self-denying.
American English
- It was a period of self-denying discipline.
- His self-denying habits helped him retire early.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could describe austerity measures or a CEO forgoing a bonus.
Academic
Common in ethics, philosophy, religious studies, and psychology texts discussing morality or asceticism.
Everyday
Used when discussing diets, saving money, or giving up a habit for a purpose.
Technical
In psychology, may be discussed in the context of delayed gratification or impulse control.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “self-denial”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “self-denial”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “self-denial”
- Spelling as 'self-denyal'.
- Using it where 'self-control' (a more general term) would suffice.
- Confusing it with 'selfishness' (an antonym).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is often admired as discipline or sacrifice, but in psychology, excessive self-denial can be linked to repression or an unhealthy relationship with one's needs.
Self-denial focuses on *refusing oneself* a pleasure or comfort. Self-sacrifice involves *giving up something* (often something significant) for the benefit of others or a cause.
It's rare in casual business talk. It might appear in formal writing about corporate ethics, executive pay (e.g., 'the CEO showed self-denial in refusing a bonus'), or in discussions of austerity.
Yes, for this noun. It is a hyphenated compound noun. The related adjective is also hyphenated: 'self-denying'.
The act of refusing to allow yourself to have or do something you want, often for moral or religious reasons.
Self-denial is usually formal, literary in register.
Self-denial: in British English it is pronounced /ˌself dɪˈnaɪəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɛlf dɪˈnaɪəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A life of self-denial.”
- “To practice self-denial for a higher cause.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SELF-DENIAL: you say 'NO' (deny) to your SELF.
Conceptual Metaphor
SELF IS AN OPPONENT TO BE RESTRAINED. DISCIPLINE IS A VIRTUE. SACRIFICE IS A PATH TO A HIGHER GOOD.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST example of 'self-denial'?