# abstentious

CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abstentious
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

describing someone who avoids doing something they might enjoy, often for religious or health reasons. You use this to talk about people who choose not to have sex or to eat less.

For teachers: characterised by the practice of self-restraint or the avoidance of indulgence in pleasures, particularly sexual or culinary ones. Often used in the context of religious vows or medical advice.

## Examples

- He lived an abstentious life to follow his religious beliefs.
- The doctor recommended an abstentious diet for the patient to help lower his blood pressure.
- The monk's abstentious lifestyle was a stark contrast to the hedonistic habits of the court, where luxury and excess were the norm.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.