What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
forborne
Example
He had forborne from speaking out of respect for his friend's feelings. [forborne: past participle]
Example
I have forborne from making a decision until I have all the necessary information. [forborne: verb]
abstained
Example
She abstained from alcohol during her pregnancy. [abstained: verb]
Example
I decided to abstain from voting in the election because I didn't feel informed enough. [abstain: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Abstained is more commonly used than forborne in everyday language. Abstained is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while forborne is less common and has a more formal or old-fashioned connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between forborne and abstained?
While forborne is typically associated with a more formal or old-fashioned tone, abstained is more commonly used in everyday language and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
