Spanish Conversation · Level 128
60 words
Spanish word
abstención
Pronunciation
IPA/aβstenˈθjon/
Meaning
- feminine nounabstention
Example
¿Por qué hubo tanta abstención esta vez?
Why was there so much abstention this time?
More examples
En las elecciones municipales aumentó la abstención de voto entre los jóvenes.
In the municipal elections, abstention from voting among young people increased.
Core concept
A turnout chart with a large slice labeled abstention.
Common phrases
abstención de voto
abstention from voting
índice de abstención
abstention rate
Similar words
voto en blanco: Deliberately submitting a blank ballot that expresses no choice of candidate.
voto nulo: Ballot invalidated and excluded from counting because of improper marks or damage.
desinterés: General lack of concern about the election that keeps a person from voting.
Definition in Spanish
Indica la omisión de votar o de participar en una votación o decisión colectiva.
Word origin
Derived from the verb abstenerse and ultimately from Latin abstinēre (ab- 'away' + tenēre 'hold'), applied to the omission of voting.
Usage tips
- Abstención is distinct from English 'abstinence'; in Spanish abstención concerns not voting, whereas abstinencia refers to refraining from behaviors or substances.
Opposites
- participaciónparticipationnoun
- votaciónvotingnoun
Related words
- abstenerseabstainverb
- abstencionismoabstentionismnoun