Abstentions

/æbˈstɛnʃənz/ noun

Definition

The plural of abstention; multiple instances or votes where someone chooses not to participate.

Etymology

Simply the plural form of 'abstention', following standard English pluralization rules; the singular form dates to the 15th century.

Kelly Says

In UN voting records, abstentions tell a hidden story—when many countries abstain rather than vote no, it signals strong disagreement within the international community that still allows a measure to pass.

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