What are the definitions of “abide by”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

1Accept or follow a decision or rule.
We have to ABIDE BY what the court says.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “abide by”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb abide by is to accept or follow a decision, rule, or law. It means to respect and obey the rules or guidelines that have been set.

What are the different verb forms of “abide by”?

Root Verb	abide by
Third Person Singular Present	abides by
Present Participle	abiding by
Simple Past	abided by
Past Participle	abided by

Example

We must abide by the rules of the game.

Example

She abides by the company's dress code.

Example

They are abiding by the new regulations.

Example

He abided by the court's decision.

Example

The agreement has been abided by all parties.

What kind of phrasal verb is “abide by”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“abide by” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

We must abide by the rules.

Example

She abides by the law.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“abide by” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

We must abide by the rules.

Example

She abides by the law.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “abide by”?

Abide by the decision

To accept and follow a decision made by someone else or an authority.

Example

The team agreed to abide by the referee's decision.

Abide by the law

To follow and obey the laws of a country or jurisdiction.

Example

As a citizen, it is our duty to abide by the law.

Abide by the rules

To follow and respect the rules set by an organization, institution, or individual.

Example

Students are expected to abide by the school's rules and regulations.

Good things to know

Does “abide by” have an informal or formal tone?

Abide by is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is appropriate for use in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings such as legal documents, official statements, and professional environments.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “abide by”?

Synonyms

follow
obey
comply with
adhere to
conform to
respect
uphold
observe

Antonyms

disregard
disobey
break
contravene
ignore
defy
violate
flout