# abide by

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abide-by
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to follow a rule, a law, or a decision that has been made.

For teachers: to comply with or submit to a rule, decision, or recommendation; typically used in formal or legal contexts to indicate adherence to established standards.

## Examples

- You must abide by the rules of the game.
- All members of the club agree to abide by the committee's final decision regarding the new budget.
- Failure to abide by the international safety regulations resulted in the immediate suspension of the company's operating license.

## Pitfalls

- Not "They abide to the rules." but "They abide by the rules." — the verb 'abide' requires the preposition 'by' when it means to follow a rule.

## Usage notes

- highly formal and almost always followed by an abstract noun like rules, laws, or agreements.
- Teaching tip: anchor this to the verb 'bide' (as in 'bide your time') to show the sense of staying or remaining with a decision; contrast with 'follow' to show the difference in formality.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.