C1 verb Formal (abide by), neutral to informal (cannot abide) #7,000 most common 4 min read

abide

/əˈbaɪd/ Top 7,000

Abide means to comply with rules or tolerate situations, used formally for rules and negatively for strong dislike.

Word in 30 Seconds

Accept or follow rules/decisions.
Tolerate or endure (often negative).
Formal compliance vs. strong personal dislike.
Less common in casual speech, more in formal/written contexts.

Overview

The word 'abide' carries a dual meaning that can sometimes cause confusion, but both senses are rooted in a concept of staying or remaining. The first, and perhaps more common, meaning relates to acceptance and compliance, particularly with rules, laws, decisions, or recommendations. It suggests a willingness to follow or adhere to something established, often with a sense of duty or respect. This usage is frequently found in formal contexts like legal documents, official statements, or when discussing principles and agreements. For instance, one might 'abide by the law' or 'abide by the terms of the contract.'

The second meaning of 'abide' is to tolerate or endure, usually in negative contexts. When someone says they 'cannot abide' something or someone, they mean they find it intolerable, annoying, or extremely unpleasant. This usage implies a strong personal aversion or a lack of patience. It's less about formal compliance and more about personal feelings of discomfort or exasperation. Think of phrases like 'I can't abide his rudeness' or 'She couldn't abide the smell.' This sense often carries a slightly more emotional or visceral weight than the first.

Usage Patterns

In terms of formality, 'abide by' is generally considered more formal than simply 'follow' or 'obey.' It’s commonly used in written English, especially in legal, business, and academic settings. Spoken English might lean towards simpler alternatives like 'stick to,' 'follow,' or 'go along with' in informal situations. However, the negative construction 'cannot abide' is quite common in both spoken and written English across various registers, though it might sound slightly more emphatic or even a bit old-fashioned depending on the context and the speaker.

Regional Variations: While 'abide' is standard English, its frequency and the specific connotations can vary. In American English, 'abide' might be perceived as slightly more formal or even archaic compared to British English, where it might be used more readily, particularly in the negative sense of intolerance. However, the core meanings remain consistent globally.

Common Contexts

You'll encounter 'abide' in various settings. In law and governance, it's crucial: 'Citizens must abide by the constitution.' In business, contracts and agreements rely on this: 'We will abide by the committee's decision.' In personal relationships, the negative form highlights strong dislikes: 'He couldn't abide the constant noise.' In literature, it can add a formal or slightly archaic tone: 'She would abide no foolishness in her classroom.'

Comparison with Similar Words:

Obey: Often implies submission to authority, typically a person or a direct command. 'Abide by' is usually about rules, principles, or decisions.

Follow: A more general term for adhering to something, less formal than 'abide by.' You can 'follow instructions' informally, but you 'abide by the rules' formally.

Tolerate: Similar to the negative sense of 'abide,' but 'tolerate' can sometimes imply putting up with something undesirable without necessarily having a strong aversion, just enduring it. 'Cannot abide' suggests a deeper level of discomfort or disgust.

Endure: Focuses on the act of suffering through something difficult or unpleasant over time. 'Abide' (in the negative sense) is more about the immediate feeling of intolerance.

Register & Tone

'Abide by' is best suited for formal and neutral contexts where compliance with rules, laws, or agreements is discussed. The negative 'cannot abide' can be used in more informal settings to express strong dislike, but it can also sound quite formal or even a bit dramatic depending on the delivery. It's generally avoided in very casual conversation unless used for specific emphasis or a touch of humor.

Common Collocations Explained:

Abide by the rules: This means to follow and obey the established regulations or guidelines. For example, 'All students must abide by the school's rules regarding attendance.'

Abide by the law: To comply with the legal statutes and regulations of a country or region. 'Businesses have a responsibility to abide by the law at all times.'

Abide by the decision: To accept and act according to a judgment or resolution made by an authority or group. 'We agreed to abide by the referee's decision, even though we disagreed.'

Abide by the terms: To adhere to the specific conditions or stipulations outlined in an agreement or contract. 'Both parties must abide by the terms of the settlement.'

Cannot abide: Expresses strong dislike or intolerance. 'I simply cannot abide people who are consistently late for appointments.'

Will not abide: A stronger, more formal version of 'cannot abide,' often used by figures of authority. 'The principal declared that she would not abide any form of bullying.'

Examples

As citizens, we must abide by the laws of the land to ensure a just society.

formal

Sebagai warga negara, kita harus mematuhi hukum negara untuk memastikan masyarakat yang adil.

The committee has reached a decision, and all members are expected to abide by it.

business

Komite telah mencapai keputusan, dan semua anggota diharapkan untuk menerimanya.

I cannot abide his constant complaining; it really wears me down.

informal

Saya tidak tahan dengan keluhannya yang terus-menerus; itu benar-benar membuat saya lelah.

The treaty stipulated that both nations would abide by the agreed-upon trade regulations.

formal

Perjanjian tersebut menetapkan bahwa kedua negara akan mematuhi peraturan perdagangan yang telah disepakati.

In the heat of the moment, he regretted saying he would abide by her judgment.

everyday

Dalam panasnya momen, dia menyesal mengatakan bahwa dia akan mengikuti penilaiannya.

The scholar's reputation rested on his commitment to abide by the principles of academic integrity.

academic

Reputasi cendekiawan itu bergantung pada komitmennya untuk mematuhi prinsip-prinsip integritas akademik.

She found the sheer volume of paperwork unbearable and couldn't abide another day in the office.

literary

Dia merasa jumlah dokumen yang sangat banyak tak tertahankan dan tidak tahan lagi berada di kantor.

Look, we agreed on a plan, so you'll just have to abide it.

informal

Dengar, kita sudah sepakat tentang sebuah rencana, jadi kamu harus menerimanya.

Synonyms

comply tolerate endure observe withstand obey

Antonyms

defy reject resist

Common Collocations

abide by the rules mematuhi peraturan

abide by the law mematuhi hukum

abide by the decision menerima keputusan

abide by the terms mematuhi syarat-syarat

cannot abide sangat tidak suka / tidak tahan

will not abide tidak akan mentolerir

abide one's time menunggu waktu yang tepat

abide in peace hidup dengan damai

Common Phrases

abide by

to comply with or follow rules, laws, or decisions

cannot abide

to strongly dislike or find intolerable

abide one's time

to wait patiently for the right opportunity

abide in

to dwell or live in (archaic/literary)

Often Confused With

abide vs Obey

'Obey' implies direct submission to a person or command, often from a position of lower authority. 'Abide by' is typically used for rules, laws, or decisions, suggesting compliance with a system or principle.

abide vs Tolerate

'Tolerate' means to put up with something unpleasant without strong objection. 'Cannot abide' implies a deeper level of aversion and intolerance, a stronger negative feeling.

abide vs Reside

'Reside' means to live in a particular place. While 'abode' (an older noun related to 'abide') means a dwelling, the verb 'abide' itself does not mean to live somewhere in modern usage.

Grammar Patterns

abide by + noun phrase (e.g., abide by the rules) cannot abide + noun phrase (e.g., cannot abide noise) will not abide + noun phrase (e.g., will not abide disrespect) subject + abide by + object (e.g., We abide by the agreement) subject + cannot abide + object (e.g., He cannot abide delays) past participle: abided (e.g., The decision was abided by.)

How to Use It

Usage Notes

The construction 'abide by' is standard for indicating compliance with rules, laws, or decisions, especially in formal contexts. The negative 'cannot abide' is used to express strong personal dislike or intolerance and is common in both spoken and written English. Using 'abide' without 'by' in the sense of compliance is rare and sounds archaic or poetic. Avoid using 'abide' to mean 'live' or 'dwell' in modern English, as this usage is obsolete.

Common Mistakes

Learners often forget the preposition 'by' after 'abide' when meaning 'comply with.' Remember: 'abide by the rules,' not 'abide the rules.' Also, be careful using 'abide' in a positive sense for tolerance; it's almost exclusively used negatively ('I can't abide X'). Don't confuse it with 'reside,' which means to live somewhere.

Tips

💡

Focus on 'Abide By'

The most frequent and useful form is 'abide by' when discussing rules, laws, or agreements. Think of it as a formal way to say 'follow' or 'comply with'.

⚠️

Avoid Positive 'Abide'

Be cautious using 'abide' in a positive sense for tolerance (e.g., 'I abide his flaws'). It sounds unnatural and is typically reserved for negative constructions ('I can't abide his flaws').

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Formal Compliance

Using 'abide by' signals a seriousness about rules and authority. It's common in official documents and speeches, conveying a sense of respect for established order.

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Nuance of Intolerance

Mastering 'cannot abide' allows you to express strong personal aversion with a slightly more sophisticated or emphatic tone than 'don't like' or 'hate'.

Word Origin

Originating from Old English 'ābīdan,' meaning 'to await, remain, endure,' the word evolved from a sense of lingering or staying. It combines 'a-' (an intensifier or prefix) with 'bīdan' (to wait, remain). The meaning shifted over time to include compliance and, in its negative form, intolerance.

Cultural Context

The concept of 'abiding by' rules and laws is fundamental to social order in many cultures. In Western societies, adherence to legal frameworks and established norms is often emphasized. The phrase 'cannot abide' reflects a cultural value placed on personal comfort and the expression of strong dislikes, often used to add emphasis in social commentary or personal expression.

Memory Tip

Picture a judge in a robe, sternly saying, 'You must abide by the law!' The 'by' is crucial, like the judge is pointing *by* the rulebook. For the negative, imagine someone wrinkling their nose and saying, 'Ugh, I can't abide that smell!' – a strong, visceral reaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

8 questions

'Abide by' suggests a more formal and often obligatory adherence to rules, laws, or decisions, implying respect for the authority behind them. 'Follow' is more general and can be used in less formal situations for instructions or advice.

This meaning typically appears in negative constructions, like 'I can't abide this noise.' It expresses a strong sense of intolerance or being unable to put up with something unpleasant.

While it can sound a bit formal or even slightly archaic in some contexts, especially in American English, 'abide by' is still very much in use, particularly in legal, business, and official settings. The negative 'cannot abide' is also still common.

Yes, but almost exclusively in the negative sense. You might say 'I cannot abide his arrogance,' meaning you find his arrogance intolerable. You wouldn't typically say 'I abide him' to mean you accept him.

In law, 'abide by' means to comply strictly with the law, regulations, court orders, or legal agreements. It signifies a formal obligation to follow legal requirements.

The most common is 'abide by,' which means to comply with. There isn't a wide range of other phrasal verbs using 'abide' that are in common modern usage.

'Endure' focuses on the capacity to withstand hardship or pain over time. 'Abide' (in the negative sense) is more about immediate aversion or intolerance towards something specific, rather than the strength to withstand it.

The phrase 'abide by' is less common in very casual, everyday chat than simpler alternatives like 'follow' or 'stick to.' However, 'I can't abide...' is used more frequently to express strong dislike.

Test Yourself

fill blank

All employees are expected to ______ by the company's code of conduct.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: b

The phrase 'abide by' is used here to mean comply with or follow the rules.

multiple choice

She simply couldn't abide the constant interruptions during her work.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: a

In this negative context, 'abide' means to strongly dislike or find intolerable.

sentence building

must / decision / we / the / abide / by

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: we must abide by the decision

This structure uses the common phrase 'abide by' to express compliance with a decision.

error correction

He said he will abide the rules of the competition.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: He said he will abide by the rules of the competition.

The verb 'abide' requires the preposition 'by' when referring to compliance with rules, laws, or decisions.

Score: /4

Summary