self-denial

USAGE SUMMARY

'self-denial' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone has deliberately chosen to deprive themselves of something, in order to adhere to a principle or moral code. For example: "His self-denial in the face of temptation was admirable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's about self-denial.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She derives a thrill from self-denial.

The Guardian - Film

It's all about denial and self-denial.

The Guardian - Opinion

But some have made gestures toward enforced self-denial.

The New York Times - Books

A modicum of critical self-denial seemed timely.

The Guardian - Music

Commentary, authority, revelation and other-worldly self-denial.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is an occasional brave act of self-denial.

The New Yorker

The self-denial and the switched blood bags.

The Guardian - Film

It was a kind of sanctimonious self-denial.

The Guardian

He's committed and idealistic, and unaccepting of injustice to the point of self-denial – allowing himself to get into this position is surely a form of self-denial.

The Guardian - Arts

"One of the dominant features of Kabbalah was teaching self-denial and asceticism," he said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing moral or ethical behavior, use "self-denial" to highlight a deliberate choice to forgo personal gratification for a higher purpose or the benefit of others.

Common error

Avoid portraying "self-denial" as inherently negative or as a sign of weakness. While excessive "self-denial" can be detrimental, it's often a necessary component of discipline, compassion, and achieving long-term goals.

Linguistic Context

Self-denial primarily functions as a noun, denoting the act of denying oneself certain pleasures or comforts, often for moral, religious, or practical reasons. Ludwig confirms this, presenting numerous examples where it acts as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

27%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "self-denial" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes the act of denying oneself certain pleasures or comforts. As Ludwig confirms, it is most commonly found in News & Media, Encyclopedia and Wiki sources, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While often associated with virtue and discipline, it's important to avoid portraying it as inherently negative or a sign of weakness. Synonyms like "self-sacrifice" and "asceticism" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts with varying degrees of emphasis. When using "self-denial", consider the specific context and avoid misinterpreting it as simply a negative trait.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-sacrifice

Emphasizes the act of giving up something valuable for others.

asceticism

Focuses on severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, typically for religious reasons.

self-discipline

Highlights the ability to control one's impulses and actions.

abstinence

Refers to the practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something, often alcohol or sex.

self-restraint

Emphasizes the control of one's own emotions and desires.

self-control

Highlights the ability to manage one's own behavior and impulses effectively.

abnegation

Emphasizes the rejection of one's own interests or desires.

renunciation

Focuses on the formal rejection or abandonment of something, such as a belief or a claim.

altruism

Highlights selfless concern for the well-being of others.

selflessness

Emphasizes the quality of being more concerned with the needs and wishes of others than with one's own.

FAQs

How to use "self-denial" in a sentence?

"Self-denial" is used to describe the act of giving up something you want or enjoy. For example, "During Lent, many people practice "self-denial" by giving up certain foods or habits".

What are some synonyms for "self-denial"?

Synonyms for "self-denial" include "self-sacrifice", "asceticism", and "self-discipline". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "self-denial" always a positive trait?

While often seen as virtuous, excessive "self-denial" can be detrimental. The key is finding a balance where "self-denial" serves a meaningful purpose without leading to deprivation or resentment.

What is the difference between "self-denial" and "self-discipline"?

"Self-denial" specifically involves giving up something desirable, while "self-discipline" is a broader concept encompassing the ability to control impulses and behaviors to achieve goals. "Self-denial" can be a tool within "self-discipline".