Abide
Definitions and Meaning in English
- To endure or withstand something.
- To continue or remain in a particular state or condition.
- To accept or act in accordance with a decision, rule, or agreement.
- To reside or stay in a place.
History and Origin
The word “abide” comes from the Old English abidan, meaning “to remain” or “to wait.” It is derived from a- (toward) and bidan (to wait), and it has been used in English since the 13th century. The word originally referred to waiting or remaining in a place, and over time, it evolved to include meanings related to enduring or accepting something.
Detailed Explanation
To abide means to endure or remain in a certain state or place, often despite difficulties or challenges. It can refer to both physical and emotional persistence, such as abiding by a rule or abiding in a location. In modern usage, “abide” can also imply a sense of acceptance or compliance, as in agreeing to or living with a decision, condition, or rule. The word can carry connotations of patience, resilience, or steadfastness, whether in personal relationships, rules, or physical places.
Example Sentences
- They had to abide by the laws of the land, even if they didn’t agree with them.
- She chose to abide in the countryside for the peace and quiet.
- The team vowed to abide by the coach’s decision despite the controversy.
- He couldn’t abide the constant noise from the construction site.
- After the long journey, the travelers were glad to abide in a comfortable inn.
- They were forced to abide by the terms of the contract.
- He couldn’t abide by the rules, so he left the group.
- The family had to abide in their small home due to financial constraints.
- She promised to abide with him through all the ups and downs.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Endure – To suffer through or tolerate something difficult, similar to abiding by it.
- Tolerate – To accept something without interference or objection, similar to abiding with it.
- Comply – To act in accordance with rules or commands, a form of abiding by instructions.
- Stay – To remain in one place or condition, often used similarly to abide.
- Reside – To live in a particular place, akin to abiding in a location.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Persist – To continue firmly or obstinately, similar to abiding through challenges.
- Remain – To stay in a particular place or state, a synonym for abiding.
- Suffer – To endure hardship or pain, similar to the sense of abiding in difficult circumstances.
- Stand – To endure or withstand something, similar to abiding in a situation.
- Obey – To comply with orders or rules, akin to abiding by rules or laws.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Wait – To remain in a state of expectation, similar to abiding in anticipation.
- Respect – To act in accordance with or honor something, similar to abiding by laws or agreements.
- Live – To reside or stay in a place, similar to abiding in a home.
- Put up with – To tolerate or endure something unpleasant, akin to abiding with difficulty.
- Abandon – While often a negative opposite, it means to leave or cease to remain, the opposite of abiding.
Antonyms
- Leave
- Disregard
- Reject
- Depart
- Ignore