How to pronounce abstinence
Say it like AB-stuh-nuns. Abstinence has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AB).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce abstinence. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AB
- stuh
- nuns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Abstinence pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ABSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- stuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nunsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of abstinence
American and British speakers say abstinence in essentially the same way: /ˈæbstənəns/ in the US and /ˈæbstɪnəns/ in the UK.
British respelling: AB-stih-nuns.
What does abstinence mean?
- The act or practice of abstaining, refraining from indulging a desire or appetite.
- Specifically, the practice of abstaining from intoxicating/alcoholic beverages; total abstinence; teetotalism).
- Abstention from certain foods on days of penitential observance.
Where does abstinence come from?
From Middle English abstinence, from Old French abstinence, from Latin abstinentia, from abstinēns, present participle of abstineō (“to withhold”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying abstinence
How do you pronounce abstinence?
Say AB-stuh-nuns. The American pronunciation is /ˈæbstənəns/. In British English it is /ˈæbstɪnəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in abstinence?
Abstinence has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AB). Broken into parts: AB · stuh · nuns.
Do Americans and Brits say abstinence the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈæbstənəns/ and the British form is /ˈæbstɪnəns/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.