Definitions and Examples of ignore, neglect, abstain
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To pay no attention to; to disregard or overlook.
Example
He decided to ignore the rude comment and not engage in an argument.
To fail to care for or attend to something or someone properly.
Example
The landlord neglected to fix the leaky faucet, causing water damage to the apartment.
To voluntarily refrain from doing something, especially something enjoyable or satisfying.
Example
She chose to abstain from alcohol at the party because she was the designated driver.
Key Differences: ignore vs neglect vs abstain
- 1Ignore implies a deliberate decision to not pay attention or acknowledge something.
- 2Neglect suggests a failure to fulfill a responsibility or obligation to care for something or someone.
- 3Abstain involves a voluntary decision to refrain from doing something, often for moral or health reasons.
Effective Usage of ignore, neglect, abstain
- 1Conflict Resolution: Use intervene to describe taking action to resolve a conflict, and use ignore or neglect to describe not getting involved.
- 2Health and Wellness: Use abstain to describe refraining from unhealthy habits or behaviors.
- 3Legal Contexts: Use ignore or neglect to describe failing to comply with legal obligations or responsibilities.
Remember this!
The antonyms of intervene are ignore, neglect, and abstain. These words convey the opposite meaning of intervening, which is to not take action or to refrain from involvement. Use these words to describe different levels of involvement or non-involvement, depending on the context.
