abide

/əˈbaɪd/

Group 30Difficulty 1/3

Definition

(verb)
To accept or act in accordance with; to be unable to tolerate; to continue without fading
GRE

Example in Context

The coalition members agreed to abide by the arbitrator's decision, even if it went against their individual interests.

Synonyms

tolerateendureaccept

Etymology

To wait away from discomfort — accepting or tolerating situations.

  • ab- (Latin) — away from
  • ide (Old English) — to wait

Memory Aid

🛋️Sounds like “a bide

A person sitting on a couch saying 'I CAN'T ABIDE this boring show!' while trying to stay awake!

Visual Association

An hourglass, where time seems to stretch as someone reluctantly accepts a long wait.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “abide” mean on the GRE?

abide (verb) means “To accept or act in accordance with; to be unable to tolerate; to continue without fading”. The coalition members agreed to abide by the arbitrator's decision, even if it went against their individual interests.

How to remember “abide” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “abide” sounds like “a bide”. A person sitting on a couch saying 'I CAN'T ABIDE this boring show!' while trying to stay awake!

What are synonyms for “abide”?

Common synonyms: tolerate, endure, accept.