comply

Pronunciation: /kəmˈplaɪ/

verb

Difficulty: common

Definition of comply

To act in accordance with a directive, request, or set of rules, often implying a willing or obliging attitude.

Origin of comply

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: complere

Original meaning: to fill up, complete

How it evolved: Initially used to mean 'fulfilling' or 'completing', the word gradually shifted to denote the idea of fulfilling obligations or adhering to instructions.

Originating in the late 14th century, 'comply' derives from the Latin 'complere', meaning 'to fill up' or 'complete', later evolving into the sense of fulfilling a request or command.

First known use: 14th century

How to Remember comply

Think of 'comply' as 'come play'—you are willingly joining or following along, just like obeying a request to participate in an activity.

Synonyms for comply

Antonyms of comply

  • resist
  • defy
  • disobey
  • rebel
  • oppose

comply in a Sentence

  1. Though skeptical of the new policy, the employees chose to comply in order to maintain workplace harmony.
  2. The diplomat was quick to comply with international protocols to avoid unnecessary conflict.
  3. Failing to comply with safety regulations can result in severe penalties for businesses.

comply in Literature & Culture

The concept of compliance is a recurring theme in literature and philosophy, often examining the tension between individual autonomy and societal expectations, such as in George Orwell's '1984'.

Usage Notes

While 'comply' often implies willingness, it can also denote reluctant adherence depending on context. Avoid confusing 'comply' with 'conform', as the latter often relates to broader societal norms rather than specific directives.

Why comply Matters for GRE & SAT

A high-frequency word on the GRE, 'comply' is essential for understanding questions related to rules, requests, and obedience in reading comprehension or text completion sections.

Word Family

compliance (noun)
The act of conforming to a rule, request, or demand.
compliant (adjective)
Willing to agree or follow rules or requests.
noncompliance (noun)
Failure or refusal to act in accordance with rules or requests.

Did You Know?

  • The phrase 'comply or die' has been used in military and action films to emphasize strict adherence to commands.
  • In computer programming, 'compliance' refers to systems adhering to specific standards or protocols.
  • Shakespeare often explored themes of compliance versus defiance in his plays, particularly in 'Julius Caesar' and 'Macbeth'.

More Vocabulary Words Starting with C

  • cacophonous — extremely noisy; grating
  • cacophonous — extremely noisy; grating
  • cajole — persuade through flattery or gentle urging
  • cajole — persuade through flattery or gentle urging
  • callous — emotionally unfeeling or insensitive
  • callous — emotionally unfeeling or insensitive
  • callow — young and inexperienced; immature
  • callow — young and inexperienced; immature
  • calumny — slander and defamation
  • calumny — slander and defamation