abstinent

/ˈæb.stɪ.nənt/

adjective

  1. Deliberately refraining from something, especially drinking alcohol, using drugs, having sex, or eating certain foods.

    B2

    usually followed by "from"formal

    • "He has been abstinent from alcohol for six months."B1
    • "She remained abstinent from sexual relationships while she focused on her studies."B2

  2. Practising self-restraint, especially by avoiding pleasures or excesses.

    C1

    formal

    • "The monk lived an abstinent life."B2
    • "His abstinent habits contrasted sharply with the extravagant behavior of his friends."C1

Common mistakes

  • abstinent of alcohol→abstinent from alcohol

    Use "abstinent from" when naming what someone avoids.

  • abstinent→absent

    Remember, 'abstinent' refers to refraining from something, while 'absent' means not present.

Collocations

abstinent from alcoholabstinent lifestyleremain abstinent

Word family

abstainabstinenceabstainer