different between continence vs abstemiousness

English

Etymology

Dated from the 14th century as Middle English contynence, from Old French continence, from Latin continentia (“a repression”). See also countenance.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?k?nt?n?ns/

Noun

continence (usually uncountable, plural continences)

1. (urology) The voluntary control of urination and defecation.
2. Moderation or self-restraint, especially in sexual activity; abstinence.
   • For quotations using this term, see Citations:continence.

   • He knew what to say; he knew also, when to leave off, — a continence which is practised by few writers.

   • 1650, Jeremy Taylor, The Rule and Exercises of Holy Living

     Chastity is either abstinence or continence: abstinence is that of virgins or widows; continence of married persons.

3. Uninterrupted course; continuity.

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Ayliffe to this entry?)

Alternative forms

• continency

Synonyms

• (moderation or self-restraint): asceticism, temperance
• (uninterrupted course): See also Thesaurus:continuity

Antonyms

• (all): incontinence
• (moderation or self-restraint): acrasia, acrasy, intemperance
• (uninterrupted course): See also Thesaurus:discontinuity

Related terms

Translations

See also

• countenance

References

• Douglas Harper (2001–2021) , “continence”, in Online Etymology Dictionary
• continence in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• continence at OneLook Dictionary Search

French

Etymology

From Latin continentia.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /k??.ti.n??s/

Noun

continence f (plural continences)

1. continence

Related terms

• contenance

Further reading

• “continence” in Trésor de la langue française informatisé (The Digitized Treasury of the French Language).

English

Etymology

abstemious +? -ness

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /æb?sti.mi.?s.n?s/, /?b?sti.mi.?s.n?s/

Noun

abstemiousness (uncountable)

1. The quality of being abstemious, temperate, or sparing, particularly in the use of food and strong drinks. [from early 17th c.]

Usage notes

• It expresses a greater degree of abstinence than temperance.

Translations

References