The phrase "abide by" means to follow or obey a rule or agreement. The spelling of "abide" is /əˈbaɪd/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stress on the second syllable. The "a" is pronounced as a schwa sound, while the "i" sounds like the "i" in "high". The spelling of "by" is /baɪ/, with a long "i" sound. Together, the phrase is spelled as "abide by", with each word pronounced separately and stress on the second syllable of "abide".
The phrase "abide by" can be defined as the act of following or obeying a particular rule, law, agreement, or principle. It implies a conscious decision to adhere to a set of guidelines or standards. When an individual or a group decides or commits to abide by something, they agree to comply with its requirements, directives, or restrictions. This term often implies a sense of obligation, duty, or responsibility towards the specified rules or a mutual agreement.
"Abide by" is commonly used in various contexts, such as legal matters, formal contracts, social etiquette, or even personal values. It signifies a willingness to conform and live by a specific code of conduct or set of regulations. By abiding by these established norms, individuals or organizations demonstrate respect for the authority that has established them and show their commitment to maintaining order, harmony, or fairness.
The phrase "abide by" can also imply an enduring commitment or a lasting pledge towards a particular value or belief. In this sense, it reflects a person's dedication to upholding certain principles, regardless of circumstances or challenges that may arise. Thus, to "abide by" signifies an unwavering commitment to follow and respect a particular framework, whether it involves legal statutes, ethical tenets, or personal convictions.
The word "abide" comes from the Old English word "ābīdan", which means "to wait for" or "to remain". The word "by" is a preposition that indicates "according to" or "in accordance with". The phrase "abide by" emerged from the combination of these two elements and implies the idea of "to conform to" or "to act in accordance with".