Episode Overview

Podcast: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
Episode: Abide
Date: November 12, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski
Theme: This episode explores the definition, usage, etymology, and related terms of the verb “abide,” providing listeners with historical context, practical examples, and common phrases incorporating the word.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Definition and Modern Usage

• Spelling and Part of Speech:
  • “Today's word is abide. Spelled A-B-I-D-E. Abide is a verb.” — Peter Sokolowski [00:42]
• Meaning:
  • If someone cannot abide someone or something bad or unpleasant, they cannot tolerate or accept that person or thing.
    • Example: “Abide can also mean to accept without objection and to remain or continue.” [00:46]
• Example Sentence:
  • “Here's the word used in a sentence from the Baltimore: If a legal party doesn't like a district court ruling, it is free to challenge the decision to a federal appellate court and then the Supreme Court. But while the appeal plays out, the legal party must abide by the ruling.” [00:54]

2. Etymology and Historical Variants

• "Abide has abided in the English language since before the 12th century, picking up along the way several meanings and inflections that are now rare or no longer in use." — Peter Sokolowski [01:16]
  • Early meanings included “to stop.”
  • Past participles have changed: formerly “abidden,” now “abided” or “abode.” [01:22]

3. Common Phrases and Expressions

• Can’t Abide:
  • “Abide often turns up in the phrase ‘can't abide’ to say that someone cannot tolerate or accept something.” [01:31]
• Abide By:
  • “The expression ‘abide by’, which means to accept and be guided by something, is also common.” [01:34]

4. Related Words

• Abiding:
  • Means “continuing for a long time or not changing,” as in “an abiding friendship.” [01:38]
• Abidance:
  • Meaning “continuance or the act or process of doing what you have been asked or ordered to do.” [01:42]
• Abode:
  • “The place where someone lives.” [01:46]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On usage and legal context:

  “But while the appeal plays out, the legal party must abide by the ruling.” — Peter Sokolowski, using a legal example [00:54]

• On historical linguistics:

  “Abide has abided in the English language since before the 12th century, picking up along the way several meanings and inflections that are now rare or no longer in use.” — Peter Sokolowski [01:16]

• On related terms:

  “Related terms include abiding, meaning continuing for a long time or not changing, as in an abiding friendship, abidance... and abode, meaning the place where someone lives.” — Peter Sokolowski [01:38-01:46]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:42] — Introduction and spelling of “abide”
• [00:46] — Essential definitions and usage
• [00:54] — Example sentence in legal context
• [01:16] — Historical background and rare uses
• [01:31] — Common phrases: “can’t abide,” “abide by”
• [01:38] — Related words: “abiding,” “abidance,” and “abode”

Tone and Style

The episode maintains a clear, instructive, and engaging tone, blending concise definitions with accessible examples and interesting historical facts. Peter Sokolowski articulates each point with evident enthusiasm and authority, making the word’s evolution and usage memorable for listeners.

For more, visit Merriam-Webster.com for definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups.