Abstention Meaning
/əbˈstɛn.ʃn̩/Definition, CEFR level C2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounThe act of restraining oneself.
nounThe act of abstaining or refraining (from).
Sentence Examples
There were two votes in favor of the measure, two against, and one abstention.
There wasn't a single abstention.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
His ____ from voting surprised the committee members who expected a decision.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The high number of ____s during the vote surprised everyone.
Word Origin & History
First attested in 1521. Borrowed from French abstention, from Late Latin abstēntiō from Latin abstinēō (“withhold, to abstain”)
Explore More C2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
His ____ from voting surprised the committee members who expected a decision.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The high number of ____s during the vote surprised everyone.