Overview

Episode Theme:
On the September 4, 2025 episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, host Peter Sokolowski explores the meaning, usage, and etymology of the word abeyance. The episode focuses on defining this formal term, provides examples in contemporary use, and uncovers its fascinating historical roots.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Word Definition and Usage

• Abeyance (noun):

  • Most often used in the phrase “in abeyance.”
  • Describes something in a temporary state of inactivity or suspension.
  • Used formally to indicate something is on pause, not currently in effect, but not permanently discontinued.

• Example in a sentence [01:04]:

  • “A restaurant popular with college students will temporarily lose its liquor license for more than a week in October after the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission found multiple underage patrons consuming alcohol. The actual liquor license suspension issued lasts for 18 days, but only nine of those days must be served from October 7th to the 15th, according to the report. The other nine days will be held in abeyance for a period of two years, provided no further violations are found.”

Etymology and Historical Meaning

• The etymological story offers a richer grasp of the word’s "jaw-dropping suspense":
  • Anglo-French origins:
    • Comes from words meaning “to open wide” and “to have the mouth wide open, gape, or pant.”
    • Implies the sense of suspense—anticipating what comes next.
  • Early English Use:
    • In the 16th century, abeyance referred to a lapse in succession—when there was a period with no rightful heir to an estate or title.
    • "Think of a property or title in this type of abeyance as being in a state of limbo waiting for a rightful heir or owner." [02:01]
    • The suspenseful pause, with no clear resolution until someone claims inheritance.

Memorable Explanations

• Modern usage continues the sense of “pending outcome”:
  • "A plan or contract 'in abeyance' is temporarily unable to take effect or be enforced." [01:50]
  • Retains the sense of anticipation from the original meaning.

Notable Quotes

• On General Use:
  “Abeyance is a noun. It’s a formal word that is almost always used in the phrase ‘in abeyance’ to describe something in a temporary state of inactivity, that is, something in a state of suspension.”
  — Peter Sokolowski [00:42]

• On Historical Roots:
  “Jaw-dropping suspense is at the etymological heart of the word abeyance. Its Anglo-French forebear joined parts, meaning to open wide and to have the mouth wide open, gape or pant.”
  — Peter Sokolowski [01:28]

• On Early Legal Meaning:
  “When first borrowed into English in the early 16th century, abeyance referred to a lapse in succession during which there exists no person with a legal right to an estate or title of nobility... a state of limbo waiting for a rightful heir or owner.”
  — Peter Sokolowski [02:01]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• What is ‘abeyance’ and example usage:
  [00:42] – [01:14]
• Etymology and etymological suspense:
  [01:14] – [01:51]
• Historic legal meaning:
  [01:51] – [02:15]

Summary Flow

Peter Sokolowski succinctly introduces abeyance as a seldom-used but valuable word for describing anything in a temporary pause or suspenseful holding pattern. He highlights how abeyance is derived from words implying suspense — literally, with mouths open waiting — and how it was born in contexts where inheritance was up in the air. While nowadays it’s used for contracts, licenses, or any process pending further action, the word's history enriches its everyday meaning. This bite-sized episode adds etymological depth to a practical word, perfect for word enthusiasts or those looking to expand their formal vocabulary.