Meaning :
The phrase “to hold in abeyance” means to temporarily suspend or delay something. When something is held in abeyance, it is put on hold or set aside for a period of time without taking any immediate action. It implies that a decision or action will be made at a later time, but for the moment, it is being held off or postponed. It can refer to various situations where a particular matter or issue is not being actively pursued or resolved, but rather kept in a state of temporary inactivity.
Example Sentences :
- The decision on whether to expand the business was held in abeyance until the economic situation stabilized.
- The company put the proposed merger in abeyance while they conducted a thorough evaluation of the potential risks and benefits.
- The construction of the new park was held in abeyance due to ongoing legal disputes over the land ownership.
- The implementation of the new policy was held in abeyance pending further feedback from the stakeholders.
- The court held the sentencing in abeyance to allow the defense team additional time to present mitigating evidence.
- The hiring of new employees was held in abeyance until the company finalized its restructuring plans.
- The resolution of the dispute between the two parties was held in abeyance while they explored the possibility of mediation.
- The government decided to hold the proposed tax reform in abeyance following widespread public protests.
- The release of the new software update was held in abeyance due to the discovery of critical bugs during testing.
- The decision on whether to proceed with the construction project was held in abeyance pending an environmental impact assessment.
Synonyms :
- Postpone
- Suspend
- Delay
- Put on hold
- Temporarily defer
- Hold off
- Adjourn
- Pause
- Reprieve
- Stay
Antonyms :
- Proceed
- Implement
- Activate
- Resume
- Continue
- Expedite
- Push forward
- Take action
- Execute
- Advance
Origin of word :
The phrase “to hold in abeyance” has its origins in Middle English and Old French. The word “abeyance” comes from the Old French word “abeance” or “abeyance,” which means “aspiration” or “desire.” It was derived from the verb “abeer” or “abeir,” meaning “to gape” or “to desire eagerly.”
Over time, the meaning of “abeyance” evolved to refer to a state of suspension or temporary inactivity. The phrase “to hold in abeyance” emerged as a way to describe the act of keeping something on hold or in a state of temporary delay or suspension.
The usage of “to hold in abeyance” has continued throughout the centuries, and it remains a commonly used expression in modern English to convey the idea of temporarily setting aside or postponing something.