Definitions and Examples of abstain, refrain, withdraw
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To choose not to do something, especially something enjoyable or satisfying.
Example
He decided to abstain from drinking alcohol at the party.
To stop oneself from doing something, especially because it is considered inappropriate or wrong.
Example
She had to refrain from laughing during the serious meeting.
To remove oneself from a situation or activity; to disengage or retreat.
Example
He decided to withdraw from the competition due to his injury.
Key Differences: abstain vs refrain vs withdraw
- 1Abstain implies a voluntary decision not to participate in something enjoyable or satisfying.
- 2Refrain implies a conscious effort to stop oneself from doing something that is considered inappropriate or wrong.
- 3Withdraw implies a physical or emotional removal from a situation or activity.
Effective Usage of abstain, refrain, withdraw
- 1Debate: Use these antonyms to express opposing views in a debate or discussion.
- 2Voting: Use abstain to indicate that you are not voting for or against a proposal.
- 3Social Events: Use refrain to politely decline an invitation or request to participate in an activity.
- 4Sports: Use withdraw to describe a player's decision to leave a game or competition due to injury or other reasons.
Remember this!
The antonyms of participate are abstain, refrain, and withdraw. These words convey the opposite meaning of participating in an activity or event. Use them to express opposing views in debates, indicate non-voting, politely decline invitations, or describe a player's decision to leave a game or competition.
