What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bide
Example
I will bide my time and wait for the right opportunity to come. [bide: verb]
Example
She had to bide her time until the storm passed. [bide: past tense]
abide
Example
We must abide by the rules of the game. [abide: verb]
Example
He couldn't abide the noise and decided to leave. [abide: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Abide is more commonly used than bide in everyday language. Abide is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while bide is less common and has a narrower usage.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between bide and abide?
While bide is typically associated with a more formal tone, abide is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
