abstain

Everyday

1. (formal) To abstain is to choose not to do something you might enjoy, like eating sweets or drinking alcohol. tree →
2. To abstain in a vote is to choose not to vote for or against. tree →

In the lessons

A formal word used in exam language, health and in voting. In class votes, some may abstain. In health, people abstain from sugar or alcohol. In maths problems about voting, abstentions are counted apart from yes and no votes. Followed by «from».

Examples

• Grandad abstains from sugar in his tea. tree →
• Three pupils abstained in the class vote. tree →
• During the fast, they abstain from food until sunset. tree →
• She abstained from chocolate for a whole month. tree →
• Of 30 voters, 18 said yes, 9 said no, and 3 abstained. tree →
• He abstained from arguing and stayed calm. tree →
• She not only abstained from beating him, but encouraged him. tree →

Note

Formal; everyday words are «give up», «go without», «not vote». Noun: abstention (in voting), abstinence (going without). In maths: total votes = yes + no + abstentions.

In Jewish tradition

In Numbers it means the Nazirite's vow to keep away from wine, grapes and anything from the vine.

Interpretation. The Nazirite is a person who takes on extra holiness for a time. The rabbis said that avoiding wine guards against loss of self-control.

Examples

• he shall abstain from wine and strong drink: he shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat fresh grapes or dried. (Torah NUM.6.3, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Formal; everyday words are «give up», «go without», «not vote». Noun: abstention (in voting), abstinence (going without). In maths: total votes = yes + no + abstentions.