abstemious

[ab-stee-mee-uhs]

adjective

1. sparing or moderate in eating and drinking; temperate in diet.

2. characterized by abstinence.

   an abstemious life.

3. sparing.

   an abstemious diet.

abstemious

/ əbˈstiːmɪəs /

adjective

1. moderate or sparing, esp in the consumption of alcohol or food; temperate

Other Word Forms

• abstemiously adverb
• abstemiousness noun
• nonabstemious adjective
• nonabstemiously adverb
• nonabstemiousness noun
• overabstemious adjective
• overabstemiously adverb
• overabstemiousness noun
• unabstemious adjective
• unabstemiously adverb
• unabstemiousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of abstemious¹

1615–25; < Latin abstēmius, equivalent to abs- abs- + tēm- (base of tēmētum intoxicating drink) + -ius -ious

Word History and Origins

Origin of abstemious¹

C17: from Latin abstēmius, from abs- _ab- ¹ + tēm-, from tēmētum intoxicating drink

Example Sentences

Why did the mostly abstemious Cher pursue a relationship with a known junkie?

From Los Angeles Times

Though the heroes rock vivid, metallic ensembles, villainous Gorr the God Butcher is more abstemious: He wears only a white robe, and all color vanishes from the shadowy realm where he dwells.

From New York Times

I could see making a meal of it some chilly, abstemious night.

From New York Times

Whatever’s abstemious in aristocratic ways of moving gets critiqued through flawless mimicry until it emerges enhanced, almost unrecognizable, suddenly irresistible.

From New York Times

Carter was consistently ethical, abstemious, frugal and ascetic in the White House.

From Washington Post