French translation of abstain is 
s’abstenir

Meaning of "abstain" in English

"Abstain" is a verb used in English to describe the action of deliberately choosing not to engage in a specific activity or to avoid something, often for moral, religious, or health reasons. This term is often used in formal contexts, such as voting, where an individual may choose not to cast a vote. In daily life, it might refer to refraining from certain foods, drinks, or behaviors. It implies a conscious decision to hold back from participating or indulging in a particular action.

Meaning of "s’abstenir" in French

In French, "s’abstenir" carries a similar meaning to its English counterpart. It refers to the act of intentionally refraining from doing something or abstaining from an activity, often due to personal, ethical, or health-related reasons. The term is commonly used in contexts like voting, where someone might choose not to express their opinion through a vote, or in general contexts where one decides to avoid certain practices or consumptions. It reflects a voluntary decision to withhold participation.

Pronunciation of "abstain" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /əbˈsteɪn/

Pronunciation Variations: In American and British English, the pronunciation of "abstain" might slightly differ in the emphasis and intonation, with American English typically having a clearer 't' sound. However, the differences are minor and generally understandable across different English-speaking regions.

Pronunciation of "s’abstenir" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /s‿aps.tə.niʁ/

Pronunciation Variations: Regional accents in France, such as those from the south or north of the country, may introduce slight variations in the pronunciation, especially in the intonation and the way the 'r' is pronounced. However, the standard French pronunciation is generally consistent.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

1. He decided to abstain from voting in the election. (Il a décidé de s’abstenir de voter lors de l'élection.)
2. Many choose to abstain from alcohol for health reasons. (Beaucoup choisissent de s’abstenir d'alcool pour des raisons de santé.)
3. She will abstain from making any comments until the meeting. (Elle va s’abstenir de faire des commentaires jusqu'à la réunion.)
4. The committee members agreed to abstain from the decision-making process. (Les membres du comité ont convenu de s’abstenir du processus de prise de décision.)
5. He plans to abstain from eating sweets during the month. (Il prévoit de s’abstenir de manger des sucreries pendant le mois.)
6. Some people abstain from meat for ethical reasons. (Certaines personnes s’abstiennent de la viande pour des raisons éthiques.)
7. She had to abstain from exercising while recovering. (Elle a dû s’abstenir de faire de l'exercice pendant sa convalescence.)
8. During the fasting period, they abstain from certain foods. (Pendant la période de jeûne, ils s’abstiennent de certains aliments.)
9. The judge reminded the jury to abstain from discussing the case outside. (Le juge a rappelé au jury de s’abstenir de discuter de l'affaire à l'extérieur.)
10. He just couldn't abstain from buying the new gadget. (Il n'a tout simplement pas pu s’abstenir d'acheter le nouveau gadget.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "abstain" in English

Synonyms: refrain, forgo, withhold, desist, renounce, shun, avoid, decline, refuse, cease.

Antonyms: indulge, partake, join, participate, take, embrace, engage, accept, pursue, continue.

Similar Words: abstinence, temperance, moderation, control, restraint, avoidance, self-denial, self-control, nonparticipation, refraining.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "s’abstenir" in French

Synonyms: éviter, renoncer, se priver, se retenir, s’abstenir, délaisser, écarter, se désister, s’empêcher.

Antonyms: participer, s’engager, accepter, céder, se livrer, se mêler, s’adonner, prendre, continuer.

Similar Words: abstinence, modération, contrôle, privation, retenue, évitement, tempérance, autodiscipline.

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