Abstentiousness

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The quality of practicing restraint and moderation, especially in consumption of food, drink, or other indulgences
2. The trait of exercising moderation and self-discipline, particularly in resisting excesses related to food, drink, or other pleasurable activities
3. The state of consciously avoiding excess and indulgence in various aspects of life, especially regarding nourishment and sensual experiences

Etymology: "Abstentiousness" is a plain English compound built from two parts. The first, "abstentious," is a word formed in English by adding the suffix "-ous" (from Latin "-osus" by way of Old French, meaning "full of") to "abstention," which itself comes from Latin "abstinere," to hold back or refrain. So an abstentious person is one full of abstention, someone marked by holding back, and in particular holding back from food and drink. The second part, "-ness," is the familiar Germanic suffix that turns an adjective into a noun for a quality or state. It descends from Old English "-nes," and it is the same ending found in words like "kindness" and "happiness." Put together, "abstentiousness" names the quality of being abstentious: disciplined restraint in eating.