continence

/'kɔntinəns/

Thân thiện

A patient practices continence as part of their recovery program.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Voluntary control over bodily excretions: The ability to consciously control the discharge of urine and feces.
   • Self-restraint in sexual matters: The practice of abstaining from sexual activity, often by conscious choice.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • After the surgery, the patient worked with a therapist to regain bladder and bowel continence.
  • Some philosophical traditions value continence as a form of personal discipline and mastery over desires.

Advanced Usage

• "To practice continence": To deliberately exercise self-restraint, especially regarding sexual activity.
  • He practiced continence during his period of spiritual training.

Variants and Related Words

• Continental (adj): Pertaining to a continent. (Note: This is a distinct word with a different meaning, not a direct variant of "continence").
• Incontinence (n): The lack of voluntary control over excretory functions; the opposite of continence.
  • Urinary incontinence is a common issue among the elderly.

Synonyms

• Self-restraint: Control over one's impulses or desires.
• Abstinence: The act of refraining from something, especially from indulgence in pleasures like sex or alcohol.
• Temperance: Moderation or self-restraint, especially in eating and drinking.

Antonyms

• Incontinence: Lack of self-control, specifically regarding bodily functions or desires.
• Indulgence: The act of allowing oneself to enjoy pleasures freely.

Related Phrases

• "Continence of the will": A philosophical concept referring to the strength of will to act against one's desires for a greater good.
  • His decision was an act of continence of the will, choosing duty over personal pleasure.

Học thuật

Noun

1. voluntary control over urinary and fecal discharge
2. the exercise of self constraint in sexual matters

Từ đồng nghĩa

• continency