abeyance
Noun
UK: /əˈbeɪəns/
US: /əˈbeɪəns/
Definition
Abeyance means something is waiting and not being used or decided on right now. It's like putting something on hold.
Abeyance refers to a state of temporary inactivity, suspension, or delay. When something is in abeyance, it is not currently active or in use but is expected to be addressed or resumed at a later time.
Examples and Usage
▶️ Waiting or On Hold
Example: The game was in abeyance while we waited for everyone to arrive.
- Explanation: In this sentence, "abeyance" means the game was paused and not being played until everyone was there.
Example: The decision about the new playground was put in abeyance until the next meeting.
- Explanation: Here, "abeyance" means the decision was put on hold and will be talked about later.
Example: The game was in abeyance while we waited for everyone to come.
- Explanation: In this sentence, "abeyance" means the game was stopped and waiting until everyone arrived.
Example: The toy is in abeyance because we have to clean up first.
- Explanation: Here, "abeyance" means the toy is not being used right now because we need to finish cleaning up.
▶️ Temporary Suspension or Delay
Example: The project was held in abeyance while the company awaited further funding.
- Explanation: Here, "abeyance" indicates that the project was temporarily paused until additional funds were secured.
Example: The legal proceedings were placed in abeyance pending the outcome of the appeal.
- Explanation: In this context, "abeyance" means that the legal actions were temporarily suspended while waiting for the appeal results.
How to Use "Abeyance"
When talking about something being on hold or waiting:
☑️Example: The class project is in abeyance because we need more time to finish it.
- Subject: The class project
- Predicate: is in abeyance because we need more time to finish it
- "is" (verb)
- "in abeyance" (noun phrase explaining the status)
- "because we need more time to finish it" (explanation)
☑️Example: The birthday party plans are in abeyance until we can find a better date.
- Subject: The birthday party plans
- Predicate: are in abeyance until we can find a better date
- "are" (verb)
- "in abeyance" (noun phrase describing the status)
- "until we can find a better date" (prepositional phrase explaining the delay)
☑️Example: The playtime was in abeyance until the rain stopped.
- Subject: The playtime
- Predicate: was in abeyance until the rain stopped
- "was" (verb)
- "in abeyance" (noun phrase describing the status)
- "until the rain stopped" (prepositional phrase explaining the delay)
☑️Example: The story was in abeyance while we had lunch.
- Subject: The story
- Predicate: was in abeyance while we had lunch
- "was" (verb)
- "in abeyance" (noun phrase describing the status)
- "while we had lunch" (prepositional phrase explaining the pause)
Detailed Usage
When discussing a situation where something is on hold or awaiting further action:
☑️Example: The committee's decision on the new policy was kept in abeyance until all members had reviewed the latest data.
- Subject: The committee's decision
- Predicate: was kept in abeyance until all members had reviewed the latest data
- "was kept" (verb)
- "in abeyance" (noun phrase describing the status)
- "until all members had reviewed the latest data" (prepositional phrase explaining the condition)
☑️Example: The merger talks were put in abeyance as the companies negotiated new terms.
- Subject: The merger talks
- Predicate: were put in abeyance as the companies negotiated new terms
- "were put" (verb phrase)
- "in abeyance" (noun phrase describing the status)
- "as the companies negotiated new terms" (prepositional phrase explaining the reason)
More Examples
☑️Example: The new rule is in abeyance until the principal makes a final decision.
- Explanation: The new rule is waiting and not being used until the principal decides.
☑️Example: The plan was put in abeyance during the summer vacation.
- Explanation: The plan was on hold and not being worked on during the vacation.
☑️Example: The government’s decision on the new regulations remains in abeyance due to ongoing legislative reviews.
- Explanation: The decision is temporarily on hold, pending further review.
☑️Example: The negotiation process was in abeyance until the parties could agree on the final contract terms.
- Explanation: The process was paused while waiting for the final terms to be agreed upon.
☑️Example: The drawing time was in abeyance until we finished our snack.
- Explanation: The drawing time was paused until the snack was finished.
☑️Example: The song was in abeyance because it was bedtime.
- Explanation: The song was stopped and waiting until it was time to sing again
Contextual Notes
"Abeyance" is often used in legal, business, and formal contexts to describe situations where actions or decisions are temporarily halted or postponed. It conveys that the matter is not currently active but is expected to be revisited or resolved in the future.
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