abeyance
/əˈbeɪ.əns/
Group 28Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (noun)
- A state of temporary disuse or suspension GRE
Example in Context
The project was held in abeyance pending the outcome of the environmental review, which was expected to take several months.
Synonyms
on holdsuspendedpaused
Etymology
From Old French, indicating a state of suspension or inactivity.
- abeyance (Old French) — to suspend
Memory Aid
🐜Sounds like “a bay ants”
If you have A BAY of ANTS doing nothing, they’re in ABeyance, just chilling until the picnic starts!
Visual Association
⏳A group of ants sitting around a picnic blanket, waiting patiently for the food to arrive.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “abeyance” mean on the GRE?
abeyance (noun) means “A state of temporary disuse or suspension”. The project was held in abeyance pending the outcome of the environmental review, which was expected to take several months.
How to remember “abeyance” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “abeyance” sounds like “a bay ants”. If you have A BAY of ANTS doing nothing, they’re in ABeyance, just chilling until the picnic starts!
What are synonyms for “abeyance”?
Common synonyms: on hold, suspended, paused.