Abstemious Definition and Usage

Teacher Gu's English Class

Overview Meaning Pronunciation Usage Practice

abstemious

/əbˈstiːmiəs/
Adjective Formal

Definition: Not self-indulgent, especially when eating and drinking

Origin: From Latin abstemius, from ab- (from) + temetum (strong drink)

📚 Core Meanings

Moderate in Consumption

Eating and drinking in moderation

He maintained an abstemious diet throughout his life.
He rarely drank alcohol and ate simple meals.
Dietary

Self-Restrained

Showing restraint in habits and lifestyle

Her abstemious lifestyle contributed to her longevity.
She avoided excess in all aspects of life.
Lifestyle

Austere

Marked by simplicity and lack of luxury

The monk lived in abstemious conditions.
His small room contained only basic necessities.
Character

"Abstemious" is a formal term often used to describe people who practice self-discipline, particularly regarding food and drink. It carries positive connotations of willpower and health consciousness.

🔄 Usage Comparison

Example Sentences

His abstemious habits kept him healthy into old age.

The abstemious monk ate only one meal per day.

She maintained an abstemious lifestyle despite her wealth.

Explanation

Describes restrained eating/drinking habits

Shows extreme self-discipline

Indicates voluntary simplicity despite means

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

British Pronunciation

/əbˈstiːmiəs/

uhb-STEE-mee-uhs

American Pronunciation

/əbˈstiːmiəs/

uhb-STEE-mee-uhs

Key Pronunciation Points:

Common Mistakes

  • Pronouncing as "ab-STEEM-ee-us" (incorrect stress)
  • Omitting the /b/ sound at beginning
  • Mispronouncing the "-ious" ending

🎯 Common Collocations

Abstemious + Lifestyle

Describing restrained way of living

abstemious lifestyle
Characterized by moderation
Common

Abstemious + Diet

Referring to eating habits

abstemious diet
Simple, moderate food intake
Health

Remarkably + Abstemious

Emphasizing degree

remarkably abstemious
Exceptionally restrained
Intensifier

Grammatical Forms

Adjective: abstemious
Adverb: abstemiously
Noun: abstemiousness

⚠️ Common Confusions

Don't Confuse With:

Abstentious (not a word)

Correct: Abstemious

Abstinent (complete avoidance)

Correct: Abstemious (moderation, not complete avoidance)

✍️ Practice Exercises

Fill in the Blanks

1. The monk's __________ lifestyle impressed everyone.
2. Despite the banquet, she remained __________ in her eating.
3. His __________ habits contributed to his good health.

1. The monk's abstemious lifestyle impressed everyone.

2. Despite the banquet, she remained abstemious in her eating.

3. His abstemious habits contributed to his good health.

Pronunciation Practice

Repeat these sentences aloud:

• His abstemious [əbˈstiːmiəs] habits are admirable.
• The abstemious [əbˈstiːmiəs] diet excludes rich foods.
• She lives abstemiously [əbˈstiːmiəsli] by choice.

Error Correction

Identify and correct the errors:

1. He was very abstemious, drinking heavily every night.
2. Pronounced "AB-stem-ee-us"
3. Abstemious means indulgent.

1. He was very abstemious, drinking only occasionally.

2. Pronounced "uhb-STEE-mee-uhs" (stress on second syllable)

3. Abstemious means moderate/restrained.