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Ascetic vs Abstain - What's the difference?

ascetic | abstain |

As an adjective ascetic

is of or relating to ascetics; characterized by rigorous self-denial or self-discipline; austere; abstinent; involving a withholding of physical pleasure.

As a noun ascetic

is one who is devoted to the practice of self-denial, either through seclusion or stringent abstinence.

As a verb abstain is

(transitive|reflexive|obsolete) keep or withhold oneself .

ascetic

Alternative forms

* ascetick (obsolete)

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Of or relating to ascetics; characterized by rigorous self-denial or self-discipline; austere; abstinent; involving a withholding of physical pleasure.
  • * Sir Walter Scott
  • The stern ascetic rigor of the Temple discipline.

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • One who is devoted to the practice of self-denial, either through seclusion or stringent abstinence.
  • Anagrams

    *

    abstain

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (transitive, reflexive, obsolete) Keep or withhold oneself.
  • Refrain from (something); hold one's self aloof; to forbear or keep from doing, especially an indulgence of the passions or appetites.
  • * Who abstains from meat that is not gaunt? - Shakespeare, Richard II, II-i
  • (obsolete) Fast.
  • Deliberately refrain from casting one's vote at a meeting where one is present.
  • * Not a few abstained from voting. -
  • (obsolete) Hinder; keep back; withhold.
  • * Whether he abstain men from marying [sic]. -
  • Usage notes

    * (keep or withhold oneself) Followed by the word from' or ' of . * (refrain from something) Followed by the word from .

    Synonyms

    * deny oneself * forbear * forgo * give up * refrain * relinquish * withhold

    Derived terms

    * abstention

    References

    Anagrams

    *