abeyance
uh-BEY-uhns
/əˈbeɪəns/
A state of temporary disuse or suspension.
A formal, technical term often used for legal rights, titles, or plans that are 'on ice' for the moment.
The story behind the word. From the Old French 'abaer', meaning 'to gape' or 'to stand with one's mouth open in expectation.' It describes a state of waiting with anticipation for something to happen.
Word relationships
- suspension: Suspension is more common; abeyance is more formal and often implies a lack of an owner or claimant.
- dormancy: Dormancy implies a state of sleep; abeyance is a state of waiting.
- operation: The state of being active or in force.
- action: The process of doing something to achieve an aim.
Commonly confused with
- obeyance: There is no such word as 'obeyance'; people often confuse it with 'obedience'.
Collocations
- held in abeyance
- fall into abeyance
- in abeyance
Example sentences
- "The project has been held in abeyance until the funding is secured." Legal or business context.
- "The matter will remain in abeyance until we receive further instructions from the court." A formal letter.
Memory hook
Think of 'A-Bey-ance' as 'A-Wait-ance'—everything is waiting for the next step. ABEYANCE is a state of ABEY-ing (waiting).
When not to use
Too formal for everyday life; you wouldn't put your laundry in 'abeyance'.
Fun facts
- In property law, an estate is in 'abeyance' when there is no person in whom it can vest (no clear owner).
Related words
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