Abstinent – Practicing Self-Control by Avoiding Pleasures

 

Abstinent – Practicing Self-Control by Avoiding Pleasures

What Does Abstinent Mean?

Abstinent (adjective) /ˈab-stə-nənt/
Describes a person who deliberately avoids certain pleasures or habits, often for moral, religious, or health reasons. It means practicing self-restraint by not indulging.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: self-denying, temperate, sober, restrained
Antonyms: indulgent, immoderate, excessive, uncontrolled

Why Being Abstinent Matters

Being abstinent shows discipline and commitment. It’s about making conscious choices to avoid certain things, like alcohol, smoking, or even specific foods.

Many people choose abstinence to improve health, follow beliefs, or maintain focus on goals.

Where Does Abstinent Come From?

It comes from the verb abstain, with the same Latin roots: ab- meaning “away from” and tenere meaning “to hold.”

So, abstinent literally means “holding oneself away” from something.

Examples of Abstinent in Sentences

  • “He has been abstinent from alcohol for five years.”

  • “Some people choose to be abstinent before marriage.”

  • “The athlete remained abstinent from junk food to stay fit.”

Is Abstinence Always About Giving Up?

Not necessarily. It’s often a temporary choice or part of a lifestyle. Abstinence can apply to many things — food, drink, habits, or behaviors.

Quick Quiz

1. What does abstinent mean?
a) Someone who indulges freely
b) Someone who avoids certain pleasures
c) Someone who is confused

2. Which sentence correctly uses abstinent?
a) “She is abstinent from smoking.”
b) “He is abstinent in eating a cake.”
c) “They are abstinent about their work.”

3. What is an antonym of abstinent?
a) Restrained
b) Self-denying
c) Indulgent

Answers:
1 – b
2 – a
3 – c

Final Thoughts

Being abstinent is a choice that reflects strong willpower and self-discipline. Whether for health, belief, or personal goals, abstinence is about control and conscious decisions.

What’s Next?

Next word is abstract — a word with many meanings, from art to ideas. We’ll explore its fascinating uses soon!