comply

//kəmˈplaɪ//

Verbs
B2

Translation

comply

Definition

Comply means to act in accordance with a rule, request, command, or law. It implies obedience or submission to an authority, regulation, or instruction. For example, when a person follows safety guidelines or adheres to a court order, they are complying. This verb is often used in formal or official contexts, such as legal, corporate, or administrative settings. It suggests a voluntary or required action to meet a standard or expectation. Synonyms include obey, follow, and adhere, but comply often carries a sense of conformity to a specific directive rather than general obedience.

Example

  • All employees must comply with the company's safety regulations.

  • The driver failed to comply with the traffic signals and received a ticket.

  • To avoid penalties, businesses must comply with tax laws.

  • The tenant agreed to comply with the terms of the lease agreement.

  • Schools are required to comply with federal education standards.

  • The patient was asked to comply with the doctor's treatment plan.

  • If you do not comply with the court order, you may face legal action.

  • The software must comply with international data protection regulations.

  • Citizens are expected to comply with the laws of their country.

  • The contractor failed to comply with the building code, so the project was halted.

Synonyms

obey
follow
adhere
conform
abide

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