Word
abstention
Phoneticsab·sten·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/æbˈstɛntʃən/
UK/ɐbstˈɛnʃən/
Definition
n. the act of choosing not to do something, especially not to vote or not to have sex. It is a formal word used in politics or when talking about personal habits.
n. the act of refraining from a particular action, such as voting or sexual activity. Often used in legal or political contexts to describe a formal refusal to participate.
Examples
“The candidate's refusal to vote was a clear act of abstention.”
“The committee's decision was made by a narrow margin, with several members choosing the path of abstention.”
“In many cultures, a period of sexual abstention is observed as a ritual of purification or a sign of respect for a higher power.”
Examples
simple
“The candidate's refusal to vote was a clear act of abstention.”
contextual
“The committee's decision was made by a narrow margin, with several members choosing the path of abstention.”
complex
“In many cultures, a period of sexual abstention is observed as a ritual of purification or a sign of respect for a higher power.”
Real-World Examples
“The IAEA resolution - tabled by the UK, France, Germany and the US - was backed by 23 countries, with eight abstentions.” “The United States was the only nation to vote against it - and there were six abstentions.” Etymology
First attested in 1521. Borrowed from French abstention, from Late Latin abstēntiō from Latin abstinēō (“withhold, to abstain”)
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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