WordWealth: abeyance

a·bey·ance , n.

1. temporary inactivity, cessation, or suspension: Let's hold that problem in abeyance for a while. 2. Law. a state or condition of real property in which title is not as yet vested in a known titleholder: an estate in abeyance. [1520–30; < AF; OF abeance aspiration, lit., a gaping at or toward. See A-5, BAY2, -ANCE]

—Syn.1. remission, deferral. (Random House Webster's Unabridged). Look at Thesaurus

He was nineteen years old, and officially a medical student, though inevitably his studies were in abeyance for the duration of the war. —— Ruth Brandon in 'Surreal Lives: The Surrealists 1917-1945'

She knew there was a real link between Austria and Hungary, and that it was being strained by misgovernment. So the next year she made a journey through Hungary, which was also a matter of courage, for it was almost as gravely disaffected as Lombardy and Venetia; and afterwards she learned Hungarian, though it is one of the most difficult of languages, cultivated the friendship of many important Hungarians, and acquainted herself with the nature of the concessions desired by Hungary. Her plans fell into abeyance when she parted from Franz Josef and traveled for five years. But in 1866 Austria was defeated by the Prussians, and she came back to console her husband, and then she induced him to create the Dual Monarchy and give autonomy to Hungary. It was by this device alone that the Austro-Hungarian Empire was able to survive into the twentieth century, and both the idea and the driving force behind the execution belonged to Elizabeth. That was statesmanship. Nothing of Napoleon's making lasted so long, or was made so nobly. —— Rebecca West, 'Black Lamb and Grey Falcon'/Part One; the Atlantic, Jan 1941

In spite of this initial problem, the wartime material that was left to the Met includes some remarkably exact and well-conceived studies of forward areas in which the war was temporarily in abeyance. Dugouts, convoys of trucks, camps and a camouflaged field—all were given his best efforts.--The gentlest and least vicious of men, Sargent took human nature at its most presentable for his terrain. One or two of his other wartime studies present the front line as a place in which young men lay around in twos and threes, naked and in long grass, asleep as often as not. —— John Russell; 'A Telling Image No Matter the Locale'; New York Times; June 16, 2000

Mr McAveety claims great strides have been made. "In terms of money per head, we still spend more than anywhere else. England had a substantial way to pick up. We are spending 30% more on our theatres than we did in 1998, responding to a genuine worry about regional and rep theatres, which is aimed at cushioning the impact of council reorganisation." ---On the national theatre question, the minister was emphatic. While the Guardian has learned that the committee charged with setting it up has put itself into abeyance, Mr McAveety insisted: "We have an ambition to fulfil that commitment to a national theatre and if anybody knows me they will know I like to get what I've asked for." —— Fiachra Gibbons; 'Analysis: Scottish Arts Community Stares Into the Abyss', Cash shortages leave theatres dark as devolution fails to live up to its promises; the Guardian; August 26, 2003

Look at Thesaurus in depth

Back index, 'A' | Next index, 'B'

> WordWealth, HOME

iNTERNET | The Atlantic-Quinion's coverage

> Language and Issues

> Word Court; Debate your word

> Word Watch

> Word Improvisation

> Words: English from a British viewpoint