abstemious

Imagine a monk who eats only the simplest meals, or a marathon runner carefully controlling their diet—that's an abstemious person. It doesn't mean depriving yourself entirely, but rather exercising moderation and restraint, especially when it comes to food and drink. Someone abstemious isn't necessarily unhappy; they simply choose self-discipline over indulgence. You might describe a character in a novel as abstemious if they live a simple, unadorned life, avoiding luxury or excess. It's about mindful living, not misery!

The word abstemious describes someone who practices moderation and self-restraint, particularly in eating and drinking. It originates from the Latin word abstemius—formed from ab ("away from") and temetum ("strong drink"). While the roots specifically point to staying away from alcohol, modern usage is broader than strict abstinence. An abstemious person doesn't necessarily avoid pleasure altogether; they simply enjoy it in measured amounts.

Historically, abstemious was often associated with religious or philosophical practices emphasizing self-control and detachment from worldly desires. Think of ancient philosophers advocating simple living, or monks following strict dietary rules. However, the term isn't limited to religious contexts.

Today, we might describe an athlete as abstemious for sticking to a rigorous training and diet plan, or (more metaphorically) someone as abstemious with money if they avoid unnecessary spending. It can also be used more generally to describe someone who avoids excess in any area of life—not just food and drink. "He led an abstemious lifestyle, avoiding extravagance and focusing on what truly mattered."

It's important to note that abstemious isn't the same as ascetic (which implies severe self-discipline and austerity). An abstemious person can still enjoy life; they simply do so with mindful moderation. So, if you admire someone who lives a balanced, disciplined life—avoiding excess and embracing restraint—you might describe them as abstemious.