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How do you spell Abstain?

Correct spelling

abstain

Remember: ABS + TAIN - you hold yourself away, so 'tain' like retain

Why is abstain spelled this way?

From Latin abstinere, to hold back. ABS (from) + TENERE (to hold). To abstain is to hold yourself away from something — restraint through deliberate distance.

Common misspellings of abstain

abstianabstaneabstein

Example

During Lent, many people choose to abstain from chocolate or social media.

Frequently asked questions

How do you spell abstain?+
The correct spelling is "abstain". Remember: ABS + TAIN - you hold yourself away, so 'tain' like retain
Is it abstian or abstain?+
The correct spelling is "abstain", not "abstian".

Other commonly misspelled words

discussion disdain disguise disillusion

More spelling guides

electrocardiogram elicit eligibility eligible

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