Definition of abstain

abstainverb

kiêng

/əbˈsteɪn//əbˈsteɪn/

The word "abstain" originates from the Latin "abstinere," which means "to hold back or refrain from." This Latin verb is derived from "ab" meaning "away" and "stare" meaning "to stand." So, essentially, "abstain" means to hold back or stand away from something. In ancient Rome, "abstinere" was used to describe the act of abstaining from food or other material pleasures as a form of self-discipline or penance. Over time, the word evolved and was adopted into Middle English as "absten," which meant "to abstain" or "to refrain." Today, "abstain" is used in a variety of contexts, including self-control, moral principles, and even dieting. Despite its Latin roots, the word has taken on a more neutral connotation in modern English, simply meaning "to avoid or refuse."

Summary
type nội động từ
meaningkiêng, kiêng khem, tiết chế
exampleto abstain from alcohol: kiêng rượu
meaningkiêng rượu
meaning(tôn giáo) ăn chay ((cũng) to abstain from meat)
namespace

to choose not to use a vote, either in favour of or against something

chọn không sử dụng phiếu bầu, ủng hộ hoặc chống lại cái gì đó

Example:
  • Ten people voted in favour, five against and two abstained.

    Mười người bỏ phiếu thuận, năm người chống và hai người bỏ phiếu trắng.

to decide not to do or have something, especially something you like or enjoy, because it is bad for your health or considered morally wrong

quyết định không làm hoặc có điều gì đó, đặc biệt là điều bạn thích hoặc thích thú, vì nó có hại cho sức khỏe của bạn hoặc bị coi là sai trái về mặt đạo đức

Example:
  • to abstain from alcohol/sex/drugs

    kiêng rượu/tình dục/ma túy

to stay away from something

tránh xa cái gì đó

Example:
  • The workers who abstained from work yesterday have been suspended.

    Những công nhân bỏ việc ngày hôm qua đã bị đình chỉ công tác.

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