Abstention Meaning in English
word
Definition
Abstention means choosing not to vote or not to participate in a decision, especially in an official vote or election.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly used in formal or official contexts (politics, business, organizations). Commonly appears as 'vote of abstention' or 'high rates of abstention' in elections. Does not mean 'absence'—'abstention' is an active choice to refrain, not simply being missing.
Example Sentences
There was a high abstention rate during the election.
basic
Her abstention from voting surprised everyone.
basic
The committee noted one abstention in the final vote.
basic
Many young voters opted for abstention instead of choosing a candidate.
natural
"Due to my abstention, the result was a tie," he explained to the group.
natural
Low turnout and widespread abstention worried the officials.
natural