abstention

USAGE SUMMARY

"abstention" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a deliberate decision to abstain from doing or participating in something. For example: "At the union meeting, the majority of the workers voted in favor of a strike, although some abstained from the vote in protest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Farron told the Observer that his abstention did not mean he opposed equal marriage.

The Guardian

Minister after minister – people I hadn't had time to lobby, whose views I wouldn't have guessed – spoke up and favoured a yes vote or abstention.

The Guardian - Opinion

Again, plenty of comfort if Australia had lodged its presence in the abstention column.

The Guardian - Opinion

And in Boyle's programmes, you get that not only in his jokes, but also played straight, in a sequence where he justifies his abstention policy.

The Guardian

The reason for this is clearly stated in this paper – Labour‟s electoral advantage is less a function of malapportionment, which the boundary review will address directly, but more a mainly a function of vote distribution and next abstention, neither of which are the main concerns of independent boundary commissions.

The Guardian

She now favoured an abstention.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not a closed book Economics on the net Feminism is motherhood Through a glass darkly How to get a boy Money can buy it ReprintsIn Renaissance Italy, it turns out, there was no end of advice as to how to get them: would-be parents of sons should eschew strong drink, endure abstention to build up their strength and then have intercourse early in the day.

The Economist

The CFSP already provides for "constructive abstention", to encourage one country to allow its partners to adopt a policy with which it feels unable to agree.But even if Europeans had a better way of taking joint decisions on foreign matters, two further obstacles arise.

The Economist

Indeed, this year, abstention may be higher across the EU partly because campaigning has been obscured by the war in Kosovo.Most importantly, abstention is a measure of Euro-enthusiasm.

The Economist

Ministers, including Vince Cable, whose business department is in charge of the legislation, openly flirted with abstention while student protesters demonised Mr Clegg pitilessly.The irony is that Mr Clegg's unprincipled behaviour over fees was actually before the election.

The Economist

But particularly in leftist Emilia-Romagna, the high abstention rate carried a troubling message for the government: while delighting middle-class voters with his business-friendly policies, Mr Renzi risks losing the PD's traditional voter base.It is on the right, however, that the reverberations are largest.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about political or electoral contexts, be sure to clarify the reasons behind the "abstention", as it can reflect apathy, protest, or strategic maneuvering.

Common error

Don't assume that "abstention" always indicates disinterest. It can be a conscious decision to protest or strategically avoid taking sides, rather than simply a lack of caring.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "abstention" is as a noun. It refers to the act of refraining from something, most commonly voting. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples showing its use in describing political decisions and voting outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abstention" is a grammatically correct and very common noun used to describe the act of refraining from participation, particularly in voting or decision-making. As noted by Ludwig AI, its use is frequent in news and media, as well as in formal business contexts. When using "abstention", ensure that the context clearly indicates a deliberate choice, as it can be mistaken for mere apathy. Consider related phrases such as "non-participation" or "refraining from voting" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Understanding its specific connotations and applications helps in effectively communicating the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-participation

Emphasizes the lack of involvement in an activity or decision.

refraining from voting

Specifically refers to not casting a vote in an election or decision-making process.

declining to vote

Similar to refraining from voting but highlights the act of refusal.

withholding a vote

Suggests a deliberate act of keeping one's vote uncast.

avoidance of participation

Focuses on the act of staying away from involvement.

non-involvement

Highlights a lack of connection or engagement.

election boycott

Specifically refers to abstaining from an election as a form of protest.

self-restraint

Broader term referring to the act of holding oneself back from an action.

teetotalism

Specifically refers to abstaining from alcohol.

nonattendance

Refers to not being present at an event or meeting.

FAQs

How to use "abstention" in a sentence?

"Abstention" is typically used to describe the act of refraining from voting or participating in a decision. For example, "The party leader called for an abstention on the upcoming vote."

What can I say instead of "abstention"?

You can use alternatives like "non-participation", "refraining from voting", or "declining to vote" depending on the context.

Is "abstention" a formal word?

Yes, "abstention" is generally considered a formal word, often used in political, legal, or official contexts. In more casual settings, phrases like "opting out" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "abstention" and "absence"?

"Abstention" implies a deliberate choice not to participate, especially in voting. "Absence" simply means not being present or available. For example, a voter's "abstention" is a choice, while their "absence" from the polls could be due to illness or travel.