continence

IPA/ˈkɒntɪnəns/
IPA/ˈkɑːntɪnəns/

continence — noun

1. the physical ability to decide when to release urine or solid waste from the bod

1.名詞C1
釋義

the physical ability to decide when to release urine or solid waste from the body, rather than losing control involuntarily

例句

After the surgery, it took several weeks for Roya to regain full continence.

collocation: regain continence

The doctor reassured Vivek that losing continence temporarily after childbirth is common.

同義詞
  • control

    more general and far more common in everyday language; 'continence' is specifically about bodily functions

  • restraint

    applies to emotions or actions; 'continence' narrows to physical or sexual spheres

反義詞
  • incontinence

    the direct opposite — the inability to control bladder or bowel functions

文法句型

uncountable noun

用法筆記

Frequently paired with the prefixes 'in-' to form the antonym 'incontinence'. Subject is typically a person, often in a medical or geriatric context.

常見錯誤

❌He has good continence of his diet.
✅He has good control over his diet.
💡'continence' refers specifically to bladder/bowel control or sexual restraint, not general self-control.

2. the practice of choosing not to act on sexual urges, often for religious, moral,

2.名詞C2
釋義

the practice of choosing not to act on sexual urges, often for religious, moral, or personal reasons

例句

In some religious traditions, clergy members take a lifelong vow of continence.

collocation: vow of continence

Asher chose to practise continence until he entered a committed relationship.

collocation: practise continence

同義詞
  • abstinence

    broader term meaning refraining from any activity; 'continence' specifically involves controlling sexual desires, not just avoiding them

  • celibacy

    specifically the state of being unmarried and abstaining from sex, often in a religious context; 'continence' can be practised by married or unmarried people

  • chastity

    often emphasises purity as a virtue; 'continence' focuses on the active self-restraint itself

  • self-restraint

    more general; 'continence' is the specific term for sexual self-control

反義詞
  • lust

    strong sexual desire, which continence is exercised to control

  • intemperance

    lack of restraint in general, including in sexual matters

文法句型

uncountable noun

用法筆記

Distinguish from 'abstinence': continence implies an active, disciplined choice to control desire, whereas abstinence can simply mean the absence of sexual activity for any reason. Common in religious, philosophical, and historical writing.

常見錯誤

❌She practises continence by eating only vegetables.
✅She practises continence by choosing not to act on sexual desires.
💡'continence' refers to sexual self-restraint, not dietary choices.