What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abstain
Example
I decided to abstain from drinking alcohol at the party. [abstain: verb]
Example
The doctor advised me to abstain from eating junk food for better health. [abstain: verb]
restrain
Example
The police officer had to restrain the suspect from running away. [restrain: verb]
Example
I had to restrain myself from yelling at my boss during the meeting. [restrain: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Restrain is more commonly used than abstain in everyday language. Restrain is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while abstain is less common and is typically used in specific contexts such as abstaining from alcohol or food.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between abstain and restrain?
Both abstain and restrain can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, restrain may be more commonly used in formal writing or professional settings due to its broader range of applications.
