How to pronounce abeyance
Say it like uh-BAY-uns. Abeyance has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BAY).
- uh
- BAY
- uns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Abeyance pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- BAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- unsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of abeyance
American and British speakers say abeyance in essentially the same way: /əˈbeɪəns/ in the US and /əˈbeɪənts/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-BAY-unts.
What does abeyance mean?
- Expectancy; a condition when an ownership of real property is undetermined; lapse in succession of ownership of estate, or title.“The proceeds of the estate shall be held in abeyance in an escrow account until the minor reaches age twenty-one.”
- Suspension; temporary suppression; dormant condition.
- Expectancy of a noble or armigeral title, its right in existence but its exercise suspended.“The broad pennant of a commodore first class has been in abeyance since 1958, together with the rank.”
Where does abeyance come from?
First attested in 1528.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with abeyance
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of abeyance.
Questions about saying abeyance
How do you pronounce abeyance?
Say uh-BAY-uns. The American pronunciation is /əˈbeɪəns/. In British English it is /əˈbeɪənts/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in abeyance?
Abeyance has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BAY). Broken into parts: uh · BAY · uns.
Do Americans and Brits say abeyance the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈbeɪəns/ and the British form is /əˈbeɪənts/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.