abstemious

IPA/əbˈstiːmiəs/
IPA/əbˈstiːmiəs/

abstemious — adjective

  • abstemiouspositive
  • more abstemiouscomparative
  • most abstemioussuperlative

1. Choosing to live in a simple, controlled way — avoiding rich food, alcohol, and

1.形容詞C1
釋義

Choosing to live in a simple, controlled way — avoiding rich food, alcohol, and other physical pleasures, usually as a matter of principle or self-discipline.

例句

Trang has followed an abstemious diet for years, eating only vegetables and rice.

collocation: abstemious diet

The monk's abstemious lifestyle impressed Cole, who decided to give up alcohol.

collocation: abstemious lifestyle

同義詞
  • temperate

    less specific — can apply to any indulgence, not just food/drink; also more positive

  • moderate

    broader and more common; does not necessarily imply principle or self-denial

  • frugal

    focuses on economising; usually about money rather than physical pleasures

反義詞
  • intemperate

    opposite — lacking self-restraint, especially in eating and drinking

  • indulgent

    giving in freely to pleasures without restraint

用法筆記

Almost always used in the context of food and drink, rather than other kinds of pleasure. The word is quite formal and more common in written English than in everyday conversation.

常見錯誤

❌He is abstemious with money and never spends anything.
✅He is frugal with money and never spends anything.
💡'abstemious' specifically refers to restraint in food and drink, not money.