What does abstinently mean?
"Abstinently" is a formal adverb meaning in an abstinent manner — that is, with deliberate self-restraint, particularly in avoiding food, alcohol, or other pleasures. Someone who eats abstinently consumes sparingly and avoids indulgence; someone who drinks abstinently may abstain altogether or partake only minimally. The word derives from the Latin abstinēre, "to hold back," formed from ab- ("away from") and tenēre ("to hold"), the same root that gives us contain, retain, and detain. In modern English it is considerably rarer than its relatives "abstinent" and "abstinence," and it tends to appear in formal, moral, or religious contexts, where it evokes discipline, temperance, and sometimes ascetic devotion. Its antonyms include indulgently and intemperately. Though uncommon, it offers writers a precise, dignified way to describe a life or habit marked by voluntary restraint rather than mere scarcity or deprivation.
adverbIn an abstinent manner; with self-restraint or deliberate avoidance of something indulgent, especially food, drink, or other pleasures.
- With self-restraint or moderation, especially in refraining from food, alcohol, or other pleasures.
"After years of excess, he now lives abstinently, refusing even a glass of wine at celebrations."
"She ate abstinently throughout Lent, giving up desserts entirely."
"The monks lived abstinently, rising before dawn and taking only one plain meal a day."
It shares its ancient root with 'contain' and 'retain' — the Latin tenēre, 'to hold' — because to be abstinent is literally to hold yourself back.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of abstinently
"Abstinently" comes from the adjective "abstinent," which traces to the Latin abstinēre, meaning "to hold oneself back," a compound of ab- ("away from") and tenēre ("to hold"). The same Latin root tenēre underlies English words such as contain, retain, and detain. The adverb was formed in English by adding the standard adverbial suffix -ly, following the pattern of the adjective's entry into English via Old French and Latin.
Related word forms
How abstinently is actually used
Formal and somewhat rare; the adjective 'abstinent' and noun 'abstinence' are far more common in everyday usage. It carries a connotation of discipline and often moral or religious self-denial.
Easily confused with abstinently
'Absently' means in a distracted or inattentive way, while 'abstinently' means with deliberate self-restraint from indulgence.