Words / C2

uhb-STEEM-ee-uh-s/əbˈstiːmiəs/

Abstemious means not self-indulgent, especially in food and drink, or sparing in use (formal): an abstemious diet, abstemious with funds. Austere (already in the dictionary) is plain and strict of setting or life; ascetic (already in the dictionary) is severely simple by choice. Frugal (already in the dictionary) is careful not to waste; parsimonious (already in the dictionary) is meanly sparing — the harsher cousin. A tight budget still names the warden.

Meaning

Not self-indulgent, especially in food and drink; sparing (formal).

Examples

• “An abstemious budget still has to name the fire warden.”
• “Austere is plain and strict (already in C1). Ascetic is severely simple (already in C2). Frugal is careful not to waste (already in C1). Parsimonious is stingy (already in C2). A short rota can still be complete. A cut that never names the night post is a hole. Write the name; then the fast.”

Good to know

Sparing; not self-indulgent (formal). Close: austere / frugal (already in C1); ascetic (already in C2). Contrast: parsimonious (stingy — already in C2). Thrift ≠ a warden.

Near in meaning

sparing, temperate, austere, frugal

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