Comply
/kəmˈplaɪ/
Definitions
To act in accordance with a wish, desire, or command; to conform; to yield.
/kəmˈplaɪ/
To act in accordance with rules, requests, or demands.
You must comply with the traffic laws to avoid getting a ticket.
💡 Simply: Imagine your parents ask you to clean your room. If you *comply*, you clean it! It means you follow a rule or do what you're asked.
👶 For kids: To do what you are told to do.
More Examples
The software is designed to comply with industry standards.
The students were asked to comply with the teacher's instructions.
How It's Used
"The company must comply with all federal regulations."
"Employees are expected to comply with the company's dress code."
Idioms & expressions
in compliance with
Acting according to a rule, law, or requirement.
"The company updated its policies in compliance with the new data privacy regulations."
non-compliance
Failure to comply with a rule or regulation.
"The hospital was cited for non-compliance with safety standards."
From Middle French *complier* ('to fulfill, accomplish, obey'), from Latin *complere* ('to fill up, complete').
Historically, 'comply' was often used in formal writings and legal documents to indicate obedience to laws or requests.
Memory tip
Think of 'comply' as 'come-pleas-ing', meaning to come and do what pleases someone (or the rules).