What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abstention
Example
The senator announced his abstention from voting on the bill. [abstention: noun]
Example
I practice abstention from alcohol for personal reasons. [abstention: noun]
Example
She showed abstention from criticizing her colleague during the meeting. [abstention: noun]
restraint
Example
The teacher had to use restraint to prevent the students from fighting. [restraint: noun]
Example
He showed restraint by not reacting to the insult. [restraint: noun]
Example
The company implemented spending restraints to cut costs. [restraints: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Restraint is more commonly used than abstention in everyday language. Restraint is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while abstention is less common and is typically used in formal contexts, such as politics or law.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between abstention and restraint?
Abstention is more formal than restraint, and is typically used in formal contexts, such as politics or law. Restraint can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in a wider range of situations.
