Abstemious-Abstinent | Commonly Confused Words
Special Offer Special Offer
0d : 00h : 00m : 00s

Master confusing words with ease

Abstemious vs. Abstinent

Abstemious

/əbˈstiːmɪəs/
Someone who shows restraint, especially with food or drink.

Examples:

Julia's abstemious diet paid off with increased energy.Despite being surrounded by indulgence, he remained abstemious.The monk's abstemious lifestyle impressed his followers.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Abstinent

/ˈabstɪnənt/
Refraining from indulging in something, often alcohol or other pleasures.

Examples:

He maintained an abstinent lifestyle, avoiding all temptations.Her abstinent approach to sugar improved her health greatly.Despite pressures, he remained abstinent from alcohol at the party.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Abstemious refers to moderate or restrained consumption, usually of food and drink. It implies a level of self-control but not necessarily avoidance.
  • Abstinent refers to completely refraining from something, often related to alcohol, drugs, or other substances and activities.
  • If someone is abstemious, they might still indulge occasionally but do so in moderation.
  • An abstinent person avoids the substance or activity entirely, often for moral, religious, or health reasons.
  • Remember: Abstemious is about moderation; Abstinent is about complete avoidance.
© 2025 Lithium Lab Pte Ltd