comply
C1Formal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
To act in accordance with a rule, command, or request.
To yield or acquiesce to external pressure, standards, or expectations, often formally or willingly.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies conscious obedience or adherence; often used in legal, regulatory, and professional contexts. Less direct than "obey" and can imply a degree of voluntary cooperation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage. Both dialects use the verb with the same meaning and typical constructions.
Connotations
Slightly formal or official in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English in formal/governmental contexts, but the difference is marginal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
comply with [NOUN PHRASE]comply + (adverb)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “toe the line (similar spirit)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Companies must comply with data protection laws.
Academic
The research protocol must comply with ethical guidelines.
Everyday
We asked him to be quiet, and he complied.
Technical
The device complies with industry safety standards.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The tenant failed to comply with the terms of the lease.
- We expect all suppliers to comply fully.
American English
- The company must comply with the new federal regulations.
- He complied with the officer's request.
adverb
British English
- The team acted compliantly with the directive.
- He nodded compliantly.
American English
- She followed the instructions compliantly.
- The system runs compliantly with the standard.
adjective
British English
- Compliant behaviour is expected in such settings.
- The software is fully compliant.
American English
- We need a compliant solution for the audit.
- She was very compliant during the process.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please comply with the school rules.
- The driver did not comply with the police officer's signal.
- If you fail to comply with the court order, you could face penalties.
- The new architecture must comply with a complex set of interoperability standards.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: "COMPLY" = "COME and PLY (follow) the rules."
Conceptual Metaphor
OBEDIENCE IS MOVING IN THE SAME DIRECTION (as a rule/request).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as "комплировать" (which doesn't exist). Correct translation is "соответствовать, подчиняться". Beware of false friend "комплимент" (compliment).
Common Mistakes
- Using without 'with' (e.g., 'comply the rules' is incorrect). Confusing spelling with 'compliment'.
Practice
Quiz
Which preposition ALWAYS follows the verb 'comply'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral to formal. It is common in official, legal, and business contexts, but can be used in everyday speech.
'Comply' often suggests following a specific rule, request, or standard, sometimes with a sense of formal agreement. 'Obey' is more direct and absolute, often associated with authority figures or commands.
Yes, but the context must make clear what is being complied with. (e.g., 'We asked, and he complied.') However, the full pattern is usually 'comply with something'.
The noun is 'compliance'. The adjective is 'compliant'.