Abstemious

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /æbˈstiː.mɪ.əs/

Definitions

1. Sparing or moderate in consumption of food and drink, especially alcohol
2. Characterized by restrained and disciplined consumption of food, beverages, and especially alcoholic drinks
3. Practicing moderation and self-control in eating and drinking habits, particularly regarding alcohol

Etymology: Before it described restraint at the dinner table, "abstemious" meant abstaining from wine. The Latin "abstemius" was built from "ab," meaning "from," and "temetum," a word for strong intoxicating drink, most likely mead or wine. The "-ous" ending turned the result into an adjective, so the word literally described someone who kept away from strong drink. The shift came as the word's focus narrowed from the drink itself to the habit of holding back. Someone who avoided wine was, in effect, someone who did not indulge, and the meaning broadened until it covered any moderation, especially in eating. Today the word usually suggests sober, self-disciplined restraint in food, though its root still points back to the cup.

Synonyms: moderate, temperate, self-denying, restrained, sober

Antonyms: indulgent, excessive, immoderate, intemperate, greedy