how to pronounce abstinence

/ˈæbstənəns/

audio example by a male speaker

audio example by a female speaker

the above transcription of abstinence is a detailed (narrow) transcription according to the rules of the International Phonetic Association; you can find a description of each symbol by clicking the phoneme buttons in the secction below.

abstinence is pronounced in three syllables

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2.

3. example pitch curve for pronunciation of abstinence

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video examples of abstinence pronunciation

An example use of abstinence in a speech by a native speaker of american english:

“… late 1990s abstinence only until …”

meanings of abstinence

noun:

Specifically, the practice of abstaining from intoxicating/alcoholic beverages; total abstinence; teetotalism).
Abstention from certain foods on days of penitential observance.
Specifically, the practice of abstaining from sexual intercourse, either permanently or until marriage.
The practice of self-denial; self-restraint; forebearance from anything.
Self-denial; abstaining; or forebearance of anything.
The act or practice of abstaining, refraining from indulging a desire or appetite.
Delay of spending to accrue capital.

abstinence frequency in english - C2 level of CEFR

the word abstinence occurs in english on average 1.9 times per one million words; this frequency warrants it to be in the study list for C2 level of language mastery according to CEFR, the Common European Framework of Reference.