Abstain
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition:
To deliberately choose not to do something, especially something enjoyable or habitual; to withhold oneself from voting or participating.
Example Sentences:
For health reasons, she decided to abstain from eating sugar for a month.
During the meeting, two members chose to abstain from voting on the controversial issue.
He promised to abstain from using his phone during study hours.
How “Abstain” May Appear on the GED RLA Exam
This word might show up in passages discussing health, politics, or personal discipline. Below are realistic examples based on how the GED test presents vocabulary-in-context and inference questions.
Example 1: Vocabulary in Context
“Knowing the risks involved, Marcus chose to abstain from participating in the extreme sports activity.”
Question:
What does the word abstain most likely mean in the sentence?
A. Argue against
B. Participate in
C. Choose not to take part
D. Criticize harshly
Correct Answer: C. Choose not to take part
Example 2: Political or Historical Passage
“While most of the council voted in favor of the new policy, a few members abstained due to a conflict of interest.”
Question:
What does the word abstained suggest about those members’ actions?
A. They agreed with the decision
B. They did not vote either way
C. They opposed the policy
D. They supported it privately
Correct Answer: B. They did not vote either way
Example 3: Author’s Purpose / Argument Analysis
“Many people choose to abstain from alcohol during Dry January to promote better health habits.”
Question:
What is the author’s likely purpose for including this sentence?
A. To suggest that abstaining is harmful
B. To present an example of self-control
C. To explain government regulations
D. To discourage health trends
Correct Answer: B. To present an example of self-control
Related GED Vocabulary:
Decline
Refrain
Withhold
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