abstention
gb/æbstˈɛnʃən/ us/æbstˈɛnʃən/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
formal
C1
action
1
choosing not to vote
a decision not to vote yes or no
Usage pattern:
abstention on [a vote/issue]; abstention from [a vote/voting]
Common mistake:
Do not confuse abstention with absence: an abstention usually means the person is present or counted but chooses not to vote for either side.
Synonyms
non-vote (more informal and less standard in official contexts)
|
withholding a vote (clearer descriptive phrase rather than a single noun)
|
neutral vote (sometimes used informally, but an abstention is not exactly a vote)
Antonyms
vote (the act of choosing a side or option)
|
participation (taking part in the voting process rather than not voting)
Collocations
mass abstention
|high abstention
|voter abstention
|an abstention on a vote
|record an abstention
|register an abstention
|votes and abstentions
|abstention rate
Themes
politics
|meetings
|law
|organizations
Examples
- The resolution passed with 12 votes in favor, 3 against, and 2 abstentions.
- Several committee members explained their abstention after the vote.
- A high abstention rate can make election results harder to interpret.
Learner examples
- She chose abstention because she did not agree with either side.
- There were five abstentions in the final vote.
Noun
formal
C1
action
2
deliberately not doing something
choosing not to do or use something
Usage pattern:
abstention from [something]
Common mistake:
Abstinence is more common than abstention for avoiding alcohol, drugs, or sex; abstention is more formal and often used with from.
Synonyms
abstinence (more common for avoiding alcohol, drugs, sex, or certain foods)
|
self-denial (emphasizes giving up pleasure or comfort)
|
restraint (emphasizes self-control more generally)
Antonyms
indulgence (allowing oneself to enjoy or use something)
|
participation (taking part in the activity instead of avoiding it)
|
consumption (using or taking in something, especially food, drink, or substances)
Collocations
abstention from alcohol
|abstention from drugs
|abstention from sex
|voluntary abstention
|total abstention
|religious abstention
|period of abstention
Themes
behavior
|health
|religion
|personal_choices
Examples
- The program encourages abstention from alcohol during the challenge.
- Some religious traditions include periods of abstention from certain foods.
- His doctor recommended complete abstention from smoking while he recovered.
Learner examples
- The group supports abstention from alcohol.
- Abstention can be difficult at social events.
Grammar
Dictionary form
abstention
IPA
GB/æbstˈɛnʃən/
US/æbstˈɛnʃən/
Syllables & stress
ab - sten - tion (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (sten)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: abstention
- Plural: abstention, abstentions
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.