Word: abeyance (noun)

Associations

"Abeyance" means a state of temporary pause or suspension. When something is in abeyance, it is not active or being used right now, but it might be started again later.

• The project was held in abeyance until the budget was approved. (The project stopped temporarily.)
• The court case is in abeyance while new evidence is reviewed. (The case is paused.)
• The decision remains in abeyance pending further discussion. (The decision is delayed.)

A synonym is "suspension," but "abeyance" often suggests a neutral or temporary pause, while "suspension" can sometimes imply a more formal or disciplinary stop.

Substitution

You can use words like "pause," "suspension," or "delay" instead of "abeyance," but each changes the tone slightly:

• "Pause" is more casual and short-term.
• "Suspension" can be more formal or serious.
• "Delay" emphasizes waiting before continuing.

Deconstruction

"Abeyance" comes from Old French "abeance," meaning "gaping" or "expectation." It suggests something waiting or open, not closed or finished. The root relates to "to gape" or "to wait."

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you had to put a plan or idea "in abeyance"?
• How is "abeyance" different from simply stopping something forever?
• What kinds of things in your life might be put in abeyance temporarily?