Comply: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes

Meaning 1：obey or follow rules (comply)

comply 🔊

/kəmˈplaɪ/

vi.

to do what someone asks you to do or to follow the rules.

Illustration of comply meaning: a person obeying a red traffic light at a crosswalk.

obey or follow rules 🔊

➕

/əˈbeɪ ɔːr ˈfɒləʊ ruːlz/

vi.

To act in accordance with a request, command, or set of rules.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'complere' meaning 'to fulfill', implying to act in accordance with.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'comply' as 'come ply' – come and follow the rules.

📖 Example

All visitors to the library must comply with the rule of speaking quietly. 🔊 All library visitors are required to adhere to the quiet speaking rule.

🔗 Collocations

comply with regulations – to follow official rules or laws

comply with a request – to do as asked

comply with standards – to meet established criteria

🔄 Synonyms

obey (v.) – to follow commands or rules

adhere (v.) – to stick to rules or agreements

conform (v.) – to behave according to expectations

🚫 Antonyms

disobey (v.) – to refuse to follow commands

defy (v.) – to openly resist or refuse to obey

violate (v.) – to break a rule or law

🌱 Derivatives

compliance (n.) – the act of complying

compliant (adj.) – willing to comply

noncompliance (n.) – failure to comply

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'complere' (to fulfill), entered English via Old French. Commonly used in legal and regulatory contexts to denote adherence to rules.