What's the difference between abstain and refuse?

How is abstain different from refuse?

How do I use abstain in a sentence?

Can I use abstain in everyday speech?

Is abstain a common word?

Is abstain common in academic writing?

← Dictionary

abstain

/əbˈsteɪn/

IELTSAcademic

verb

To choose not to do or have something voluntarily.

Many voters abstain from the election.
She abstains from alcohol on weekdays.
He abstained from criticizing his friend.

Adinary Nuance

Near-neighbors: abstain differs from refuse and decline by choice rather than necessity; it suggests voluntary self-denial, often in moral or health contexts. Unlike dismiss or skip, it carries a deliberate, reasoned tone.

In other languages

Spanish: Abstenerse
Japanese: 見送る
Korean: 포기하다
Vietnamese: Trừng phạt
Chinese: 弃权；戒除

Etymology

Not selected

Common phrases

abstain from votingabstain from alcoholabstain from commenting

Synonyms

refuse decline avoid skip opt out

Related words

refuse decline avoid skip deny

Frequently asked questions

Is abstain formal or informal?: Is abstain formal or informal?
What's the difference between abstain and refuse?: How is abstain different from refuse?
How do I use abstain in a sentence?: Can I use abstain in everyday speech?
Is abstain a common word?: Is abstain common in academic writing?