abstinence

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the trait of abstaining (especially from alcohol)
  2. noun act or practice of refraining from indulging an appetite

Etymology

From Middle English abstinence, from Old French abstinence, from Latin abstinentia, from abstinēns, present participle of abstineō (“to withhold”). Equivalent to abstain + -ence.

In classic literature

Synonyms

abstention

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