comply
Comply (verb) means to act in accordance with a rule, request, or law. Example: “All staff must comply with the new safety regulations.”
How to use comply
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo go along with what a rule, law, or instruction requires.
Always followed by "with" (comply with the rules), not "to."
Word forms
complied past tense, complies singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
All staff must _____ with the new safety regulations.
Etymology
From Italian complire and related Romance forms meaning "to fulfil, carry out," ultimately from Latin complere, "to complete or fill up."
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “comply” mean?
The word “comply” means to act in accordance with a rule, request, or law. In plain terms, to go along with what a rule, law, or instruction requires.
How do you pronounce “comply”?
“Comply” is pronounced kuhm-PLEYE (/kəmˈplaɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “comply” in a sentence?
Here is “comply” used in a sentence: “All staff must comply with the new safety regulations.”
What part of speech is “comply”?
“Comply” is a verb.
Where does the word “comply” come from?
The word “comply” comes from Latin. From Italian complire and related Romance forms meaning "to fulfil, carry out," ultimately from Latin complere, "to complete or fill up.".
Is “comply” a common word?
“Comply” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
Is it "comply with" or "comply to"?
The standard preposition is with: you comply with a rule, request, or law. "Comply to" is nonstandard and best avoided in writing.
What is the difference between comply and obey?
Obey stresses following the command of a person or authority, while comply means acting in accordance with a rule, request, or law and often sounds more cooperative and less personal. Things can also comply — a building can comply with fire regulations — whereas obey is used mainly of people and animals.
What is the noun form of comply?
The noun is compliance, meaning the act of complying with a rule or request. The related adjective is compliant, describing a person or thing that complies.
What is the difference between comply and conform?
You comply with a specific rule, request, or law, but you conform to a general standard, pattern, or expectation. Comply suggests deliberately following an instruction; conform suggests matching a norm or shape.
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