How to pronounce abstain
Say it like ub-STAYN. Abstain has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STAYN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce abstain. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ub
- STAYN
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Abstain pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ubKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- STAYNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of abstain
American and British speakers say abstain in essentially the same way: /əbˈsteɪn/ in the US and /əbˈsteɪn/ in the UK.
British respelling: ub-STAYN.
What does abstain mean?
- Refrain from (something or doing something); keep from doing, especially an indulgence.“In order to improve his health, Rob decided to abstain from smoking.”
- To refrain from drinking alcohol.
- Deliberately refrain from casting one's vote at a meeting where one is present.“I abstain from this vote, as I have no particular preference.”
Where does abstain come from?
First attested around 1380.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with abstain
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of abstain.
Questions about saying abstain
How do you pronounce abstain?
Say ub-STAYN. The American pronunciation is /əbˈsteɪn/. In British English it is /əbˈsteɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in abstain?
Abstain has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STAYN). Broken into parts: ub · STAYN.
Do Americans and Brits say abstain the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əbˈsteɪn/ and the British form is /əbˈsteɪn/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.