Definitions and Examples of abstain, refrain
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To refrain from doing or consuming something, often for moral or health reasons.
Example
He decided to abstain from alcohol during the party to avoid getting drunk.
To resist or avoid doing something, often because it is considered inappropriate or harmful.
Example
She had to refrain from eating sweets to maintain her diet.
Key Differences: abstain vs refrain
- 1Abstain is often used in the context of avoiding something that is considered morally or ethically wrong, while refrain is more commonly used to describe avoiding something that is harmful or inappropriate.
- 2Abstain is often used in the context of food or drink, while refrain can be used in a wider range of contexts.
Effective Usage of abstain, refrain
- 1Health and Fitness: Use abstain and refrain to describe healthy habits such as avoiding junk food or smoking.
- 2Social Situations: Use abstain and refrain to describe situations where you choose not to participate in certain activities.
- 3Academic Writing: Use abstain and refrain to express your stance on ethical or moral issues in your writing.
Remember this!
The antonyms abstain and refrain convey the opposite meaning of indulging or engaging in something excessively. Abstain is often used in the context of avoiding something that is considered morally or ethically wrong, while refrain is more commonly used to describe avoiding something that is harmful or inappropriate. Use these words to describe healthy habits, social situations, and ethical or moral issues in your writing.
