In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the word that is opposite in meaning to the given word. Abeyance

Introduction / Context:
This antonym question tests your knowledge of the word "abeyance", which is often used in formal or legal contexts. To find the opposite, you must first clearly understand what "abeyance" means. It refers to a state of temporary suspension or inactivity, when something is not currently in use or being enforced. The correct antonym will therefore express ongoing action, operation, or continuation, rather than rest or dormancy.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: "Abeyance".
• Options: Dormancy, Quiescence, Latency, Continuation.
• We assume standard dictionary meanings for all options.
• In typical usage, a project, law, or policy can be "held in abeyance" when it is temporarily not being implemented.

Concept / Approach:
"Abeyance" means a temporary state of disuse, suspension, or inactivity. For example, "The plan was held in abeyance" means the plan was put on hold. Therefore, its opposite should convey the idea of being in effect, active, or ongoing. Among the options, "Continuation" captures this idea clearly, as it means the act of continuing or the state of being continued. The other three options all describe some form of inactivity or dormancy, which are actually synonyms of "abeyance", not antonyms.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Define "abeyance" as a state in which something is temporarily inactive, suspended, or not in force.Step 2: Check "dormancy". This refers to a period of sleep, rest, or inactivity, like seeds lying dormant. This is similar to abeyance.Step 3: Check "quiescence". This means being quiet or inactive, again echoing the idea of suspension.Step 4: Check "latency". This refers to being present but not yet active, visible, or developed, another near synonym for abeyance.Step 5: Check "continuation". This is the process of carrying on or persisting in an activity, which is the direct opposite of suspension. Therefore, "continuation" is the correct antonym.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider the phrase "in abeyance" alongside "in continuation". If a policy is "in abeyance", it is on hold; if it is "in continuation", it is still being applied. Similarly, a legal case "held in abeyance" is paused, whereas one that is "in continuation" is moving forward. The clear contrast in meaning supports "continuation" as the opposite of "abeyance". The other options simply restate the idea of inactivity in different words.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, "Dormancy", refers to a sleeping or inactive state and is commonly used for volcanoes, plants, or organisations during inactive periods; it is close in meaning to abeyance. Option B, "Quiescence", emphasises a quiet, motionless state and again implies non activity. Option C, "Latency", is a state of existing but not yet being manifest or active, like a latent infection. All three support the idea of something that is not currently in operation. None of them express ongoing action or implementation, so they cannot be antonyms of abeyance.

Common Pitfalls:
Examinees sometimes pick a synonym rather than an antonym when they do not read the question word "opposite" carefully. Because "abeyance" is a relatively formal word, they may also be unsure of its meaning and guess from context. To avoid this, remember common phrases such as "plans kept in abeyance" and connect them with "suspended", "on hold", or "temporarily inactive". Once the meaning is clear, "continuation" naturally emerges as the opposite.

Final Answer:
The word opposite in meaning to "abeyance" is Continuation.