comply - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
comply Word Meanings
- eager to follow rules and requests
- submissive or yielding
- agreeable to demands
comply Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
comply Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/kəmˈplaɪ/
US
/kəmˈplaɪ/
comply Word Etymology
compliant = com- (together) + pli- (fold) → Latin 'compliere' → Old French 'compliant' → English. Imagine a person folding themselves to fit into a tight space, showing willingness to adapt.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
Breathing in, I push my chair in and settle my stance to meet the request. I skim the instructions and shift my plan to fit them. The effort feels like steering a steady course, holding my own thoughts at bay and adjusting as needed. When I finally comply, the room quiets, and I place my attention exactly where it's asked.
Real Context
Comply is the base verb about following rules or requests, while the adjective compliant describes a person or system that willingly goes along. In everyday English you can say I will comply with the guidelines or we need a compliant solution. The sense of eagerness to follow rules is usually positive but can feel negative if someone appears too passive. Learners often mix up comply with comply with and confuse compliant with complaint, or treat compliant as a general approval. Remember that compliance is about external standards, not personal agreement; common collocations include guidelines, regulations, orders, and requests.
Usage Reminders
- 1. Use comply with for rules, instructions, and standards
- 2. Use compliant to describe people or systems that follow rules
- 3. Do not use comply with to mean argue or resist
- 4. Distinguish compliant from complaint (different word, different meaning)
- 5. Practice with real contexts: policies, safety rules, guidelines
- 6. Check collocations: comply with, compliant with, compliant to (rare)
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing comply with with obey or resist; they are not identical
- Thinking compliant means you automatically agree with everything
- Assuming comply means a moral approval rather than following rules
- Mistaking compliant to describe a person’s personality rather than a system’s trait
- Mixing up comply with and complaint due to spelling similarity
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short)
Learning Tips
- Practice with real contexts like policies and guidelines
- Differentiate comply with vs comply to (preposition matters)
- Know compliant describes people or systems, not actions
- Avoid confusing with complaint due to spelling similarity
- Use collocations: comply with rules, comply with standards
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'comply' correctly?
A.He refused to comply with the rules.
B.She complied with the schedule.
C.They were complacent with the guidelines.
D.I complied with the weather forecast.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'comply'?
A.Defy
B.Conform
C.Defend
D.Reject
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'comply'?
A.Object
B.Dissent
C.Oppose
D.Concur
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario where someone needs to follow rules obediently?
A.Driving on the highway
B.Choosing a new phone
C.Cooking a recipe
D.Planning a vacation
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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