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Abstinence vs Asceticism - What's the difference?

abstinence | asceticism |

As nouns the difference between abstinence and asceticism

is that abstinence is the act or practice of abstaining, refraining from indulging a desire or appetite while asceticism is the principles and practices of an ascetic; extreme self-denial and austerity.

abstinence

Alternative forms

* abstinency

Noun

(-)
  • The act or practice of abstaining, refraining from indulging a desire or appetite.
  • Penance, fasts, and abstinence , / To punish bodies for the soul's offense. -
    The abstinence from a present pleasure that offers itself is a pain, nay, oftentimes, a very great one.
    Complete abstinence is easier than perfect moderation.
  • # Specifically, the practice of abstaining from intoxicating/alcoholic beverages; total abstinence; teetotalism).
  • # Specifically, the practice of abstaining from sexual intercourse, either permanently or until marriage.
  • # (ecclesiastical) Abstention from certain foods on days of penitential observance.
  • The practice of self-denial; self-restraint; forebearance from anything.
  • (obsolete) Self-denial; abstaining; or forebearance of anything.
  • (business) Delay of spending to accrue capital.
  • See also

    * abstention * continence * asexual

    References

    * ----

    asceticism

    Noun

  • The principles and practices of an ascetic; extreme self-denial and austerity.
  • Antonyms

    * hedonism