1. sparing in consumption of especially food and drink - "the pleasures of the table, never of much consequence to one naturally abstemious"- John Galsworthy • Ant: gluttonous • Similar to: abstinent, abstentious, ascetic, ascetical, austere, spartan • See Also: nonindulgent, strict • Derivationally related forms: abstemiousness • Attrubites: abstemiousness 2. marked by temperance in indulgence - abstemious with the use of adverbs - a light eater - a light smoker - ate a light supper • Syn: light • Similar to: temperate • Derivationally related forms: abstemiousness
