What Does It Mean to ABIDE? Some people hear “abide” and think of phrases like “abide by the rules” or “abide by a decision.” While this is one definition of the word, there’s another you may have encountered as well. Abide can mean “to tolerate or endure,” “to wait or persist,” and “to remain or stay.”
- Abide to tolerate or endure: This implies patience and resilience in the face of challenges.
- Abide to wait or persist: This suggests a commitment to a long-term goal and a willingness to persevere.
- Abide to remain or stay: This emphasizes the importance of consistency and continuity in efforts to achieve equity.
While I’ve started using the acronym ABIDE to mean Accessibility, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity, I chose that word in particular to reinforce the idea that building an equitable workplace is a journey, not a destination. It requires sustained effort, patience, and resilience.
Haven’t come across this meaning yet? Let’s jump into some dictionaries!
Dictionary Definitions
Merriam-Webster Dictionary | abide | verb | ə-ˈbīd | https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abide
- to tolerate or withstand
- to bear patiently : TOLERATE
cannot abide such bigots- to endure without yielding : WITHSTAND
abide the onrush of the enemy- to wait for : AWAIT
I will abide the coming of my lord.—Alfred Tennyson- to accept without objection
will abide your decision
Dictionary.com | abide | verb (used with object) / verb phrase | https://www.dictionary.com/browse/abide
- to put up with; tolerate; stand:
I can’t abide dishonesty!
- Synonyms: support, brook, endure, bear
- to endure, sustain, or withstand without yielding or submitting:
to abide a vigorous onslaught- to wait for; await:
to abide the coming of the Lord- to accept without opposition or question:
to abide the verdict of the judges- to pay the price or penalty of; suffer for.
- to act in accord with.
- to submit to; agree to:
to abide by the court’s decision- to remain steadfast or faithful to; keep:
If you make a promise, abide by it.
So What Does It REALLY Mean to ABIDE?
The word “abide” carries deeper meaning than simply following the rules. It implies patience, persistence, and endurance. These qualities are essential for building an equitable workplace.
- Building an equitable workplace requires immense patience and resilience. We must withstand challenges, biases, stigma, and setbacks without compromising our goals.
- Creating lasting change takes time. We must be committed to the long haul, demonstrating unwavering perseverance even when progress seems slow.
- Consistency is key in equity work. We must maintain our focus and dedication, ensuring that our efforts are sustained over time.
This deeper understanding of ABIDE is why I chose it as the foundation for the framework. It’s not just about creating a checklist of initiatives; it’s about cultivating a culture of endurance, patience, and persistence. By understanding ABIDE in this way, we can better appreciate the challenges and rewards of building a truly equitable organization.