comply with — to act in accordance with a rule, request, law, or demand
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to act in accordance with a rule, request, law, or demand
Pronunciation (IPA): /kəmˈplaɪ wɪð/
Example Sentences
- The new intern refused to comply with the dress code, showing up in pajamas.
- Public officials must comply with strict ethical guidelines.
- My cat refuses to comply with any rule I set, including 'no jumping on the table.'
comply with
VERB[/kəmˈplaɪ wɪð/]
to act in accordance with a rule, request, law, or demand
Workers comply with the new safety rules by wearing helmets on site.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'comply' derives from Latin 'complere' (to fill completely, to complete), which passed through Italian 'complire' (to show courtesy, to fulfill another's requests) before entering English. The sense evolved to mean 'to satisfy and obey what another person, rule, or law requires,' and when paired with 'with,' it conveys the notion of fulfilling or satisfying a demand while adhering to it.
Breakdown
com- (together, completely) + -plere (to fill) = complere (to fill, to complete). The phrase 'comply with' combines this verb with the preposition 'with,' literally meaning 'to fill together with' or 'to satisfy in accordance with,' emphasizing the fulfillment of requirements or demands.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The new intern refused to comply with the dress code, showing up in pajamas.”
“Public officials must comply with strict ethical guidelines.”
“My cat refuses to comply with any rule I set, including 'no jumping on the table.'”
“The factory was shut down for failing to comply with environmental standards.”
📚Related Words
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