Complying

/kəmˈplaɪɪŋ/

verb (present participle)IntermediateCommonGeneral

Definitions

1

To act in accordance with a wish, request, or requirement; to obey.

/kəmˈplaɪɪŋ/

verb (present participle)neutralIntermediate
General

Acting in accordance with a rule, request, or demand.

The company is complying with all safety protocols.

💡 Simply: Imagine your parents tell you to clean your room. If you're *complying*, it means you're doing it! You're following their instructions or a rule.

👶 For kids: When you're *complying*, it's like doing what someone tells you to do. Like following a rule!

More Examples

2

After the warning, the driver started complying with the speed limit.

3

Students are expected to be complying with the school's policies.

4

The software is designed to ensure that data is being handled in ways complying with privacy laws.

How It's Used

Legal

"Businesses must comply with environmental regulations."

General

"The employees are complying with the new dress code."

Idioms & expressions

Comply with the rules

To act in accordance with established regulations or guidelines.

"All participants must comply with the rules to ensure fair play."

From Middle French *complir* (to accomplish, fulfill), from Old French *complir* (to fulfill, perform), from Latin *complēre* (to fill up, complete).

The word 'comply' has been in use since the 16th century, originally borrowed from French. Early usage focused on fulfilling obligations and agreements.

Memory tip

Think of a person *complying* with traffic rules—they are following the laws.

complyingcompliyingcomplying

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written