Abiding

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /əˈbaɪ.dɪŋ/

Definitions

1. Demonstrating a lasting and enduring quality that persists over time
2. Exhibiting a persistent commitment or loyalty to a principle or value regardless of circumstances
3. Continuing consistently and remaining unchanged over an extended period ; showing steady loyalty and strong dedication to someone or something

Etymology: Abiding comes from the verb "abide," which has a surprisingly physical core. Its Old English ancestor, "abīdan," meant to wait for someone or something, to remain in a place, and it is this sense of staying put that the adjective keeps. Old English also had the noun "abīdung," meaning a waiting or a remaining, and it passed into Middle English as "abydynge" and "abidynge," the forms that eventually settled into the modern word. The sense of enduring in a place gradually grew into the sense of enduring in a commitment. To abide by a rule or a promise is to stay faithful to it, and an abiding loyalty is one that does not waver or move on. The adjective thus describes a steadiness that began as simply remaining where one was.

Synonyms: enduring, lasting, permanent, steadfast, constant

Antonyms: temporary, fleeting, transient