Abiding

Abiding is the present participle of the verb abide. The term connotes remaining in a place or state, or complying with a rule, expectation, or decision. Its sense of permanence and endurance is reflected in both everyday and more formal usage. The word derives from Old English abīdan, meaning to remain, wait, or endure.

In common usage, abide is often paired with by or with. Abide by means to accept and follow rules, laws, agreements, or decisions, as in “abide by the terms of the contract.” Abide with or abide in can express staying in a place, dwelling with someone, or remaining within a condition or relationship, though this sense is increasingly literary or archaic. Abide can also mean to endure or tolerate something, especially in older or more formal contexts.

As an adjective, abiding describes something lasting or enduring, such as an “abiding memory” or an “abiding faith.” This sense emphasizes persistence over time rather than a temporary state.

Religious and literary usage often highlights a deeper, ongoing relationship. In Christian scripture, the phrase “abide in me” conveys a sustained union or communion rather than a temporary residence. Abiding therefore ranges from practical regulation (abide by rules) to intimate persistence (an abiding love) and can appear in legal, contractual, and devotional contexts.

See also: abide, abiding citizen, abiding by the rules.