How to pronounce abstinent
Say it like AB-stih-nunt. Abstinent 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 abstinent. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AB
- stih
- nunt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Abstinent 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.
- stihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- nuntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of abstinent
American and British speakers say abstinent in essentially the same way: /ˈæbstɪnənt/ in the US and /ˈæbstɪnənt/ in the UK.
British respelling: AB-stih-nunt.
What does abstinent mean?
- One who abstains; a faster.
- Alternative letter-case form of Abstinent.
- Refraining from indulgence, especially from the indulgence of appetite.
Where does abstinent come from?
First attested in the late 14th century as Middle English abstinent, abstynent, from Old French abstinent, from Latin abstinēns, present participle of abstineō.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying abstinent
How do you pronounce abstinent?
Say AB-stih-nunt. The American pronunciation is /ˈæbstɪnənt/. In British English it is /ˈæbstɪnənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in abstinent?
Abstinent has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AB). Broken into parts: AB · stih · nunt.
Do Americans and Brits say abstinent the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈæbstɪnənt/ and the British form is /ˈæbstɪnənt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.