What does abstemiously mean?
Abstemiously is an adverb describing behavior marked by moderation and self-restraint, particularly in eating and drinking. Someone who lives abstemiously consumes little, avoids excess, and exercises deliberate discipline over appetite — the word derives from the Latin abstemius, meaning one who refrains from wine. It carries a formal, somewhat literary tone and typically implies quiet virtue: the abstemious person is admired for temperance, though the word can also hint at austerity or an almost monastic severity. It appears most often in descriptions of ascetics, health-conscious individuals, or characters in fiction who renounce pleasure. A curious linguistic distinction makes it memorable among word lovers: abstemiously contains all six vowels — including y — each appearing exactly once, and the letters a, e, i, o, u occur in strict alphabetical order. This rarity has made it a favorite example in discussions of unusual English words, even though its everyday usage remains uncommon outside elevated prose.
adverbIn a manner characterized by moderation and self-restraint, especially in the consumption of food and drink.
- With moderation and self-restraint, especially regarding food and drink.
- Sparingly or frugally; without excess of any kind.
"He lived abstemiously, taking only bread and water at each meal."
"After his doctor's warning, he began to live more abstemiously, cutting out alcohol and rich foods."
"The monks ate abstemiously, sharing a single simple meal each day."
Abstemiously is famously cited as one of the few words containing all five vowels — a, e, i, o, u — exactly once, in alphabetical order.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of abstemiously
Abstemiously comes from the Latin adjective abstemius, formed from abs- ('away from') combined with a root related to temetum, an archaic Latin word for an intoxicating drink such as mead. The Latin term thus literally described someone who kept away from strong drink. English adopted abstemious in the early seventeenth century, and the adverb abstemiously followed as its derived form. The same Latin root underlies related English words such as abstain and abstinence, which share the sense of holding oneself back from indulgence.
Related word forms
How abstemiously is actually used
Formal to literary register; rarely used in casual speech. Carries a mildly admiring connotation of discipline, though it can suggest austerity or joylessness if overdone. Applies chiefly to consumption of food and drink, but can extend to general self-indulgence.
Easily confused with abstemiously
Abstemiously means with moderation in eating and drinking, while abstrusely means in a way that is difficult to understand.