comply

Everyday

1. To comply is to do what a rule, law, order or request says. tree →
2. (formal) To comply with something means to obey it or meet its standard. tree →

In the lessons

It is a formal word used in rules, signs, school letters, safety notices and official exams: «comply with the rules». In stories it tells the reader that someone obeyed, often unwillingly. Safety: buildings and toys must comply with safety standards. Phrases: comply with, refuse to comply, fail to comply.

Examples

• All visitors must comply with the safety rules. tree →
• The driver complied and pulled over. tree →
• The toy was taken off the shelves because it did not comply with safety standards. tree →
• If you do not comply, you will lose your break time. tree →
• She complied with her mum's request and tidied her room. tree →
• The school complies with the new law on healthy lunches. tree →
• The prisoners refused to comply with the guard's orders. tree →
• The poor Prince had been getting quite thin with anxiety and annoyance, and was only too delighted to comply with her request. tree →

Note

Almost always followed by «with»: comply with the rules (not «comply the rules»). Forms: complies, complied, complying (y → i before -es and -ed). Noun: compliance. Formal; in everyday talk people say «obey» or «do what you're told».