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Anonymous Posted 6 years ago
Grammar

Abstain vs refrain

I haven't been able to differentiate 'abstain' and 'refrain'. Their meaning is so similar but not exchangeable. Can someone help me understand the difference, please?

  

Top answer

abstain to deliberately avoid doing something that is enjoyable but that may not be healthy, safe, or morally right; to choose not to do or have something, often with an effort of self-denial from an action or practice Many Adventists abstain from alcohol and tobacco. In 1906 Gandhi vowed to abstain from sexual relations. Some Turks abstain from drinking alcohol during the holy month of Ramadan.

  • abstain to deliberately avoid doing something that is enjoyable but that may not be healthy, safe, or morally right; to choose not to do or have something, often with an effort of self-denial from an action or practice Many Adventists abstain from alcohol and tobacco.
  • In 1906 Gandhi vowed to abstain from sexual relations.
  • Some Turks abstain from drinking alcohol during the holy month of Ramadan.
  • Drink alcohol moderately and don't pressure others who are opting to abstain.
  • These workers must agree to abstain from tobacco use while employed by the company.
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1 Answers
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abstain
to deliberately avoid doing something that is enjoyable but that may not be healthy, safe, or morally right; to choose not to do or have something, often with an effort of self-denial from an action or practice

Many Adventists abstain from alcohol and tobacco.
In 1906 Gandhi vowed to abstain from sexual relations.
Some Turks abstain from drinki

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