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abstainer

abstainer

1 5.4
A person who does not drink alcohol
  • noun
  • /æbˈsteɪnər/
translation icon : abstencionista
  • Both male abstainers and respondents with a pattern of weekly drinking were overrepresented among males with some LSA.
  • abstainers and users
  • abstainer group
  • lifetime abstainers

When asked about their drinking status, they may characterize themselves as a non drinker when really they have been a former drinker but a current abstainer.

Examples

  • Specifically, females with problem-solving and self-awareness were more likely to belong to the abstainer than polyuser groups.

    Academic text (2011)
  • During the party, James proudly announced that he is an abstainer and does not drink alcohol.

  • Mrs Wadsworth is an abstainer.

  • Abstainers were those who had not used drugs or alcohol within the previous six months.

    Academic text (1997)
  • The abstainer tends to be more of a conformist, with worries and concerns about life.

    Academic text (2002)
  • In the United States, about one-third of the adult population labels itself as abstainers.

    Academic text (1993)
  • In many cultures, being an abstainer from alcohol is viewed positively as a sign of self-control.

  • At the meeting, she identified herself as an abstainer, emphasizing her commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

Synonyms

teetotaler
vsabstainer
  • US
5 7.5

A person who never drinks alcohol

is a voluntary decision that may not be absolute
nondrinker
vsabstainer
1 4.8

A person who does not drink alcohol

chooses not to drink alcohol as a personal decision
nonalcohol
vsabstainer
5.8

A person who does not drink alcohol

is used for someone who chooses not to drink rather than a neutral fact
abstinent
vsabstainer
8.0

A person who does not drink alcohol

is framed as a choice rather than a general habit
teetotalist
vsabstainer
7.6

A person who does not drink any alcohol

is about choosing not to drink, not necessarily lifelong prohibition

Antonyms

83 1.8

A person who often drinks alcohol

How Much

drinker
83 1.8
abstainer
1 5.4

Surface Forms

abstainer singular
abstainers plural

Morphology

abstainer = abstain (transparent) = abstain + er

Formed from the verb 'abstain' with the regular agentive suffix '-er', meaning 'one who abstains'.

Etymology

Abstainer comes from the parts ab- 'away' and tenere 'to hold', the same root you see in retain ('to hold'). So an abstainer is someone who 'holds away' from something — in this sense, a person who chooses not to drink alcohol.