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comply
/kəmˈplaɪ/
obey a rule or request
All employees must comply with the company's safety regulations.
It means they are required to follow the rules set by the company.
formal
to act in accordance with a wish, request, demand, or rule
The restaurant will comply with the new health inspection guidelines.
The restaurant will follow the updated rules to meet health standards.
Students are expected to comply with the school's dress code.
Students must adhere to the rules about appropriate clothing.
Often used with 'with' to indicate what is being followed (e.g., comply with laws, comply with requests).
Collocations
comply withfollow or obey somethingcomply fullyobey completely without exceptionrefuse to complydeliberately not follow rules
Pro Tip
Common Mistake: Missing 'with'
Always use 'comply with' (not 'comply to' or 'comply') when referring to rules, laws, or requests. Incorrect: 'They comply the law.' Correct: 'They comply with the law.'
Gold Rule
Formal Tone
Use 'comply' in professional or legal contexts (e.g., contracts, policies). Avoid it in informal settings where 'follow' or 'obey' sound more natural.
Word Origin
From Latin 'complere' (to fulfill), via Old French 'complier' (to accomplish). The prefix 'com-' means 'together' or 'with', and 'plere' means 'to fill'—originally implying 'to fill out' or 'complete' a requirement.
Usage Notes
Used in formal contexts like laws, regulations, or official requests. Less common in casual speech; 'follow' or 'obey' are more typical in everyday language. Always requires an object (e.g., comply with rules, comply with orders).
Word Breakdown
com-
with or together
prefix-ply
to fill or complete
root (Latin 'plere')English Dictionary