self-restraint
C1formal
Definition
Meaning
The ability to control one's own impulses, emotions, or desires; not acting on momentary urges.
A conscious effort to limit one's actions or reactions, often for a greater good, to conform to social norms, or to achieve a long-term goal. It can apply to emotions, consumption, spending, speech, or physical actions.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a conscious, praiseworthy, and difficult effort. It suggests an internal, personal discipline rather than an external restriction.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. The hyphenated form 'self-restraint' is standard in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally positive in both, associated with maturity, discipline, and civility.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in formal writing in both varieties; equally understood.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
exercise [self-restraint]show [self-restraint]demonstrate [self-restraint]practise [self-restraint]lack [self-restraint]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[To] bite one's tongue (related to verbal self-restraint)”
- “[To] count to ten (related to emotional self-restraint)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used when discussing professional conduct, resisting unethical shortcuts, or prudent financial management.
Academic
Common in psychology, ethics, and sociology texts discussing impulse control, delayed gratification, or social behaviour.
Everyday
Used to praise someone for not overreacting, dieting successfully, or not buying something they wanted.
Technical
In legal contexts, can refer to judicial restraint; in medicine, to abstaining from harmful behaviours.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He had to self-restrain from interrupting the speaker. (less common, often rephrased as 'exercise restraint')
American English
- She self-restrained from making the impulsive purchase. (less common)
adverb
British English
- He acted self-restrainedly, which was out of character. (rare)
American English
- She very self-restrainedly declined the offer. (rare)
adjective
British English
- He remained impressively self-restrained throughout the provocation.
American English
- Her self-restrained approach to the negotiation was strategic.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- It takes self-restraint to not eat all the sweets at once.
- He showed great self-restraint by not arguing back.
- The diplomat's self-restraint during the tense negotiations prevented an escalation.
- The study linked high levels of childhood self-restraint to better socioeconomic outcomes in adulthood.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a restrained dog on a lead held by its OWNER (SELF). The owner (self) holds the restraint.
Conceptual Metaphor
SELF-RESTRAINT IS A CONTAINER (bottling up feelings), A REIN (holding oneself back), or A MUSCLE (exercising restraint).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'само-ограничение' which is less common. Prefer 'сдержанность' or 'самоконтроль'. 'Self-restraint' is more active and conscious than просто 'сдержанность' (which can be passive).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'self-restraint' as an adjective (e.g., 'He was very self-restraint' – incorrect; should be 'self-restrained'). Confusing it with 'shyness' or 'timidity', which are traits, not conscious acts.
Practice
Quiz
Which scenario BEST exemplifies 'self-restraint'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Patience is the ability to tolerate waiting or difficulty without frustration. Self-restraint is the active holding back of an impulse. A patient person might not need self-restraint.
Rarely. It is generally positive. However, excessive self-restraint can lead to emotional repression or missed opportunities if one never acts on reasonable desires.
The most direct opposite is 'self-indulgence' or 'impulsiveness'.
Yes, 'self-restraint' is the standard hyphenated spelling for the noun.
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