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

Derived Forms

• abˈstemiously, adverb
• abˈstemiousness, noun

Other Words From

• ab·stemi·ous·ly adverb
• ab·stemi·ous·ness noun
• nonab·stemi·ous adjective
• nonab·stemi·ous·ly adverb
• nonab·stemi·ous·ness noun
• over·ab·stemi·ous adjective
• over·ab·stemi·ous·ly adverb
• over·ab·stemi·ous·ness noun
• unab·stemi·ous adjective
• unab·stemi·ous·ly adverb
• unab·stemi·ous·ness 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

Weird Al Yankovic is the most improbable MTV star in modern history: an abstemious accordion player whose family-friendly song parodies have cracked the Top 40 for four straight decades, crowning him the Methuselah of novelty acts.

From New York Times

During his visit at Cluain Mhic Nóis, Artt makes few complaints about the abbot’s lax management, but everything about his abstemious manner suggests how disappointed he is.

From Washington Post

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

Abstemious about food and drink, Lawrence was utterly uninterested in acquiring possessions or wealth, while many have testified to his spiritual charisma and intensity.

From Washington Post

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

From New York Times