Abeyance Meaning
/əˈbeɪ.ən(t)s/Definition, CEFR level C2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounExpectancy; a condition when an ownership of real property is undetermined; lapse in succession of ownership of estate, or title.
nounSuspension; temporary suppression; dormant condition.
Sentence Examples
The question is left in abeyance.
Our weekend plans were in abeyance.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The project was put in ____ until the committee could secure more funding.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The legal proceedings were held in ____ until new evidence arrived.
Word Origin & History
First attested in 1528. From Anglo-Norman abeiance (“legal expectation”), from Old French abeance (“desire”) from abeër (“to gape at, aspire after”), abaer, abair (“to desire”), from a (“to”) + baër (“to gape”), bair (“yawn”), from Medieval Latin batō (“to yawn”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Yet sometimes the fee may be in abeyance, that is (as the word signifies) in expectation, remembrance, and contemplation in law; there being no person in esse, in whom it can vest and abide […]"
— 1765, William Blackstone, Commentaries on the Laws of England:
"Note: Under the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 all territorial claims are held under abeyance in the interest of international co-operation for scientific purposes."
— 1985 [1967], John Bartholomew & Son Limited, “Antarctica”, in The Times Atlas of the World, 7th comprehensive edition, Times Books Limited, →ISBN, plate 123:
"Without a plausible explanation for what might have provoked an ice age, the whole theory fell into abeyance."
— 2003, Bill Bryson, A Short History of Nearly Everything, BCA, page 376:
"[...] Prosser was instrumental in the decision in 2010 to recommence publication of an annual health and safety report, following a period when it had fallen into abeyance."
— 2020 July 29, Ian Prosser discusses with Paul Stephen, “Rail needs robust and strategic plans”, in Rail, page 40:
"The palace had previously that the duke’s military appointments were in abeyance after he stepped down from public duties in 2019."
— 2022 January 13, Ben Quinn, “Queen strips Prince Andrew of military roles and royal patronages”, in The Guardian:
Explore More C2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The project was put in ____ until the committee could secure more funding.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The legal proceedings were held in ____ until new evidence arrived.