abstinence

/ˈæbstɪnəns/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈæbstɪnəns/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈab-stə-nən(t)s/ (ame, mw)

abstinence — noun

1. the choice to avoid activities that are enjoyable but harmful, especially drinki

1.名詞B2
釋義

the choice to avoid activities that are enjoyable but harmful, especially drinking alcohol or taking drugs

例句

Mei-Lin's abstinence from sugar made the family birthday party harder than she expected.

collocation: abstinence from [substance]

The doctor told Kwame that abstinence from alcohol would help his liver heal.

同義詞
  • self-denial

    broader; applies to any personal sacrifice, not just harmful pleasures

  • temperance

    specifically moderation in alcohol; implies reducing rather than completely stopping

  • sobriety

    specifically refraining from alcohol; often used in addiction recovery contexts

反義詞
  • indulgence

    giving in to desires rather than resisting them

文法句型

abstinence from + noun/noun phrase

用法筆記

Frequently followed by 'from' + the thing being avoided. Common in medical, religious, and self-improvement contexts. Distinguish from sense 2 (AVOIDING SEX), which refers specifically to sexual activity.

常見錯誤

❌His abstinence to alcohol lasted six months.
✅His abstinence from alcohol lasted six months.
💡'abstinence' takes the preposition 'from', not 'to'.

2. the personal choice to avoid having sex, often until marriage — for example, two

2.名詞B2
釋義

the personal choice to avoid having sex, often until marriage — for example, two people who agree to wait until their wedding night

例句

Amara and her partner chose abstinence until they both felt ready for marriage.

collocation: chose abstinence until [event]

Pastor Okonkwo's youth group at St. Anne's encouraged abstinence as the surest protection against early pregnancy.

同義詞
  • celibacy

    often implies a lifelong or religious commitment rather than a temporary choice

  • chastity

    emphasises moral purity, especially in religious contexts; broader than just avoiding sex

反義詞
  • promiscuity

    having many sexual partners without commitment

文法句型

abstinence until + event/time

用法筆記

Almost always refers to choosing not to have sex, as opposed to simply not having the opportunity. Common in religious, educational, and relationship contexts. Distinguish from sense 1 (AVOIDING BAD HABITS), which covers alcohol, drugs, food, and other non-sexual pleasures.

常見錯誤

❌She practised abstinence by not getting pregnant.
✅She practised abstinence by not having sex.
💡Abstinence means avoiding the act itself, not avoiding its consequences.