Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Self-restraining; not indulging an appetite, especially for food or drink: Describes a person who deliberately limits or refrains from satisfying their desires, particularly those related to consumption.
   • Moderate, abstemious: While not completely abstinent, it characterizes a habit of careful moderation and restraint.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • His abstentious lifestyle, avoiding rich foods and alcohol, contributed to his excellent health.
  • She was abstentious at the banquet, choosing only small portions of the simplest dishes.

Advanced Usage

• "To be abstentious in one's habits": To consistently practice restraint in one's daily routines.
  • The philosopher was known for being abstentious in his habits, owning very few possessions.

Variants and Related Words

• Abstemious (adj): Sparing in consumption of food and drink; marked by moderation. This is a very close synonym.
• Abstinent (adj): Completely refraining from something, especially alcohol. This implies total avoidance, whereas "abstentious" often suggests moderation.
• Abstention (n): The act of formally declining to vote or of refraining from something.

Synonyms

• Temperate: Showing moderation or self-restraint.
• Ascetic: Practicing severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, typically for religious reasons.
• Sparing: Moderate; economical in use.

Antonyms

• Indulgent: Characterized by giving in to one's desires.
• Gluttonous: Excessively greedy in eating.
• Intemperate: Lacking self-control, especially regarding alcohol.

Adjective

1. self-restraining; not indulging an appetite especially for food or drink
   • not totally abstinent but abstemious