How do you pronounce "abstain"?

In American English: /əbˈsteɪn/ (uhb-STAYN). In British English: /ɐbstˈeɪn/ (ⱯBST). In Canadian English: /əbˈsteɪn/ (uhb-STAYN). In Australian English: /ɐbstˈeɪn/ (ⱯBST).

Is "abstain" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /əbˈsteɪn/ (uhb-STAYN), while in British English it's /ɐbstˈeɪn/ (ⱯBST).

How to Pronounce "abstain"

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abstain

regional

/əbˈsteɪn/

uhb-STAYN

Syllable Breakdown

əbab·steɪnstain

Source

80%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14