abstainer

/əbˈsteɪnə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /əbˈsteɪnər/ (ame, ipa) · /-nə(r)/ (ame, mw)

abstainer — noun

  • abstainersingular
  • abstainersplural

1. a person who decides not to take part in something enjoyable, especially drinkin

1.名詞B2
釋義

a person who decides not to take part in something enjoyable, especially drinking alcohol

例句

Hana has been an abstainer since her uncle's struggles with vodka.

abstainer + since [reason/moment]

At every office party, Dmitri stays an abstainer while colleagues sip champagne.

stays an abstainer (linking verb + noun)

同義詞
  • teetotaller

    specifically someone who never drinks alcohol; narrower than abstainer

  • non-drinker

    also alcohol-specific; a more everyday, less formal word

反義詞
  • indulger

    someone who freely gives in to pleasures

文法句型

abstainer + from + noun phrase

用法筆記

Frequently followed by 'from' plus the thing avoided, especially in writing.

常見錯誤

❌He is an abstinent from alcohol.
✅He is an abstainer from alcohol.
💡'abstinent' is an adjective, not a noun for a person.

2. a person who deliberately does not vote in an election or on a formal resolution

2.名詞B2
釋義

a person who deliberately does not vote in an election or on a formal resolution

例句

Three abstainers on the city council refused to back either development plan.

abstainers on [governing body]

Sofia stayed a quiet abstainer when her neighbours debated the new parking rules.

同義詞
  • non-voter

    can include people who simply do not show up, not just deliberate abstainers

反義詞

文法句型

abstainer + in + vote/election

用法筆記

Used in formal voting records and news reports; distinct from 'non-voter', which can mean someone who simply does not show up.

常見錯誤

❌There were five abstainers in the ballot.' (when describing the count)
✅There were five abstentions in the ballot.
💡'abstentions' names the acts; 'abstainers' names the people.