Definitions
- Describing the act of deliberately avoiding or refraining from doing something, especially something that is considered harmful or unhealthy. - Referring to the act of voluntarily giving up a habit or addiction, such as smoking or drinking. - Talking about the act of not participating in a vote or decision-making process.
- Describing the act of holding back or restraining oneself from doing something, especially something that is considered inappropriate or impolite. - Referring to the act of avoiding or not engaging in a particular behavior or activity. - Talking about the act of not saying something that might be hurtful or offensive.
List of Similarities
- 1Both involve not doing something.
- 2Both require self-control and discipline.
- 3Both can be used to avoid negative consequences.
- 4Both are often used in formal contexts.
- 5Both can be used in a variety of situations.
What is the difference?
- 1Intention: Abstain implies a deliberate choice to avoid something, while refrain can be more spontaneous or reactive.
- 2Focus: Abstain focuses on avoiding a specific action or behavior, while refrain can refer to avoiding any kind of action or speech.
- 3Usage: Abstain is often used in the context of voting or decision-making, while refrain can be used in a wider range of situations.
- 4Connotation: Abstain can have a more serious or formal connotation, while refrain can be used in a more casual or everyday context.
- 5Frequency: Abstain is less commonly used than refrain in everyday language.
Remember this!
Abstain and refrain are both verbs that describe the act of not doing something. However, abstain implies a deliberate choice to avoid something, often in the context of voting or decision-making, while refrain can refer to avoiding any kind of action or speech, and is often used in a wider range of situations. Additionally, abstain can have a more serious or formal connotation, while refrain can be used in a more casual or everyday context.
