Abeyance
hardNeutral toneuh-BAY-uns
noun
Definition
a state of temporary suspension or inactivity
Memory hook
aBAYance: picture a ship anchored in a quiet BAY, its journey paused, waiting in suspension.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The project was held in abeyance until the funding dispute was resolved.”
“Old rivalries lay in abeyance during the brief truce.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The project was held in ______ until the funding dispute was resolved.”
Show answer
abeyance
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Abeyance is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "suspension" or "dormancy" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "continuation".
Related GRE Words
inchoate
Just begun; not fully formed or developed
inert
lacking the power to move or act; sluggish or chemically inactive
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
aberration
A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected
abscond
To leave secretly and hide, especially to avoid arrest or prosecution
abstemious
Moderate in eating and drinking; self-restrained
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