What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sobriety
Example
After years of struggling with addiction, he finally achieved sobriety. [sobriety: noun]
Example
She spoke with sobriety and clarity about her experiences with addiction. [sobriety: noun]
abstinence
Example
He decided to practice abstinence from alcohol after realizing its negative impact on his life. [abstinence: noun]
Example
She maintained her abstinence from smoking despite peer pressure. [abstinence: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sobriety is more commonly used in the context of addiction or recovery, while abstinence is more commonly used in the context of personal or moral choices. Both words are less common in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sobriety and abstinence?
Both sobriety and abstinence can be used in formal or informal contexts, but sobriety may have a more clinical or medical connotation in formal settings.
