abide by
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words
To follow a rule or do what was decided, even if you don't like it.
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
To follow or obey a rule, law, or decision.
"All competitors must abide by the rules of the tournament."
"We must abide by the decision of the court."
— Common legal idiom, widely used in judicial proceedings and public discourse.
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 neutral
To accept and live with the consequences of a decision or agreement, even if unfavorable.
"She promised to abide by whatever the committee decided."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Often used in legal, professional, and ethical contexts. Commonly followed by nouns such as 'rules', 'decision', 'law', 'agreement'. Not used in progressive tenses as frequently as verbs of action.
Commonly used with
rules decision law agreement terms verdict
Forms
Base
abide by
I/you/we/they
3rd person
abides by
he/she/it
Past simple
abided by
yesterday
Past participle
abided by
have + pp
-ing form
abiding by
continuous
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Synonyms
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