Definition

A person who does not drink any alcoholic drinks at all.

Example

As a teetotaler, she always chooses non-alcoholic beverages at parties.

Conversation

Did you know that Jamie is a total teetotaler?

Really? I didn't know that about him.

Yeah, he never drinks at parties or anything.

That's cool! It's nice to have a teetotaler friend around sometimes.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Teetotaler is formed from "tee" (a reduplication of the first syllable of "total") and "total" (from Latin "totus", meaning whole or entire). The term originally referred to someone who completely abstains from alcohol, emphasizing total abstinence.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'totally' ('total') committed to not drinking alcohol — that's what a teetotaler means.

Visually Confused Words