abstention

Everyday

1. An abstention is when someone chooses not to vote, neither for nor against. tree →
2. (formal) Abstention is choosing not to do or have something you might want, like food or alcohol. tree →

In the lessons

Used in class elections and councils («ten for, five against, two abstentions»); in religion for fasting or giving things up in Lent.

Examples

• The vote was twelve for, eight against, with three abstentions. tree →
• Ruby's abstention meant the result was a tie. tree →
• Abstention from sweets during Lent was hard for Tom. tree →
• The council counted the abstentions separately. tree →
• There were no abstentions; everyone voted. tree →
• In the class vote for the trip, there was one abstention. tree →

Note

Verb: abstain (abstain from voting). In maths of votes: abstentions are counted but usually do not add to either side, so for + against + abstentions = everyone who was there.