Abstain Meaning in English
word
æbˈsteɪn/, /əbˈsteɪn
ub-STAYN
ɐbstˈeɪn
ub-STAYN
Definition
To choose not to do something, especially to not vote or to not participate in an activity, often for moral or personal reasons.
Usage & Nuances
More formal verb, common in legal, political, or official contexts ('abstain from voting', 'abstain from alcohol'). Often followed by 'from' + verb/noun. Not used for casual avoidance (use 'avoid' or 'skip').
Spanish: abstenersePortuguese (BR): abster-sePortuguese (PT): abster-seChinese (Simplified): 弃权 - 戒除Chinese (Traditional): 棄權 - 戒除Hindi: परहेज़ करनाArabic: يَمتنعBengali: নির্ধারিত হওয়া - বিরত থাকাRussian: воздерживатьсяJapanese: 控えるVietnamese: kiêng - tránh (một cách tự nguyện)Korean: 자제하다 - 삼가다Turkish: çekimser kalmak - kaçınmak (özellikle bir şey yapmaktan)Urdu: باز رہنا - اجتناب کرناIndonesian: menahan diri - tidak ikut serta
Example Sentences
He decided to abstain from eating sweets during the month.
basic
Several members chose to abstain from the vote.
basic
If you want to stay healthy, it's good to abstain from smoking.
basic
She always abstains from alcohol at parties because she's driving.
natural
I try to abstain from gossip, but sometimes it's hard.
natural
Only three people abstained when the committee took a vote.
natural