- Spelling: A-B-S-T-A-I-N
- Pronunciation: Ab-Steyn, Ab-Stain (The word is already quite phonetic)
- Direct Definition (Courtesy Dictionary.com):
- To hold oneself back voluntarily.
- To refrain from casting one’s vote. (Most likely)
- To refrain deliberately, often with an effort.
- “Translated” Definition:
- Much like “To hold back,” especially used when voting. The act of withholding your vote or opinion.
- The act of choosing not to speak your choice or opinion.
- Part of speech:
- Abstain is a Verb – “To Abstain”
- Abstain can also be a noun – “Abstinence, Abstention”
- Other forms:
- Abstain
- Abstained
- Abstains
- Abstaining
- Abstinence
- Abstention
- Examples:
- The man was impartial and chose to abstain from the vote.
- While the others heatedly debated their votes, she abstained from contesting such matters, though it took much effort.
- Use of the word: Use of this word would be/is not all that common. Often best used in a fairly intellectual conversation with others who have a fairly deep understanding of words and their literal meaning, especially when it pertains to a vote or debate. Use with older, more experienced individuals such as those holding office or in a polite, official letter.
- Not to be used: When speaking in a casual conversation, especially with younger people. The word easily confuses the majority of the population and will often screw up your ability to carry on a cohesive conversation.
- Synonyms:
- Abstain is much like the word refrain, though abstain is more used in connection with the withholding of votes and opinions, whereas refrain is a more general term used when withholding general information.
- Abstain is also somewhat like the word “Desist,” although abstain is more of a gradual choice to cease or end, while desist is much more of an immediate and abrupt stop.
- Antonyms:
- Indulge. When one chooses to Abstain, they choose to stop or refrain from voting or voicing their opinion. In the case of indulgence, one moves gung-ho into something that they want to do, forgoing the idea of self-control.
- Rating: I give “Abstain” 4 stars of 5. While it’s a great, descriptive word, I must abstain from giving it all 5 stars because it is so specific and seldom used. While I may often find uses for it, the overall population does not, and its selective nature very well proves it’s undoing in the end.
- The video is effective at conveying the use of abstinence through the (concise) use of it in the video. It was specifically pointed out, i.e. the bar saying the word “abstaining,” and through the fact that when all abstaining votes were called, Zoidberg effectively abstained and withheld his vote… Thus confirming his abstention.
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