abstemious

pronunciation

How to pronounce abstemious in British English: UK [əbˈsti:miəs]word uk audio image

How to pronounce abstemious in American English: US [æbˈstimiəs, əb-] word us audio image

  • Adjective:
    sparing in consumption of especially food and drink
    marked by temperance in indulgence

Word Origin

abstemious (adj.)
c. 1600, from Latin abstemius "sober, temperate," from ab(s)- "from" (see ab-) + stem of temetum "strong drink," related to temulentus "drunken." Technically, of liquor, but extended in Latin to temperance in living generally. Related: Abstemiously; abstemiousness.

Example

1. Abstemious habits can wither , while delusions of grandeur replace them .
2. Ireland looks like an abstemious jogger that has suffered a heart attack .
3. You want a cost-conscious , abstemious colleague who leads by example .

more: >How to Use "abstemious" with Example Sentences