English vocabulary · C1
Abeyance
/əˈbeɪ.əns/ · n.
It means a pause — a state where something has stopped for now but has not ended. It is waiting to start again.
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Example sentences
- The construction was held in abeyance for months.
- The rule is in abeyance until a new decision is made.
Word origin and roots
from Old French
- abeance — open-mouthed waiting (from Old French)
Synonyms and nuances
- PAUSE — a short stop (Temporary & general)
- SUSPENSION — officially stopped for now (Formal & deliberate)
- STANDSTILL — nothing is moving (Complete halt)
Similar words
- pause
- suspension
- standstill
Lesson notes
Abeyance. It means a pause — a state where something has stopped for now but has not ended. It is waiting to start again.
Similar words are pause, suspension, and standstill. Use abeyance when something official is on hold but not finished.
The construction was held in abeyance for months. The rule is in abeyance until a new decision is made.
From Old French. abeance- means open-mouthed waiting. Waiting with your mouth open — frozen, not finished. That is abeyance.