Definition

The quality of being moderate and self-restrained, especially in eating and drinking. It refers to a careful and disciplined approach to consuming food and beverages, avoiding excess.

Example

His abstemiousness at the dinner party impressed everyone, as he chose to eat only a small portion of food and avoided alcohol.

Conversation

I've been trying to practice some level of abstemiousness lately, especially with desserts.

That's a good idea! It can be hard to resist sweets sometimes.

Yeah, I feel like a little abstemiousness could really help my health overall.

Definitely! It's all about balance and moderation.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Abstemiousness is formed from "abstemi" (from Latin "abstemius", meaning moderate or self-restrained) and the suffix "-ous" (meaning full of) combined with "-ness" (indicating a state or quality). The word describes the quality of being full of moderation or self-restraint, particularly in eating and drinking.

Memory Tip

Think of 'moderate' and 'self-restrained' to remember that 'abstemiousness' means the quality of being moderate and not indulging excessively.

Visually Confused Words