© 2026 Sloth Lingo. Learn easy. Lounge wisely.

comply

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /kəmˈplaɪ/

KK: /kəmˈplaɪ/

intransitive verb
Definition

To act in accordance with a wish or command; to follow rules or requests.


Example

The company must comply with safety regulations to ensure employee safety.


Tense Forms

Past: complied

Past Participle: complied


Conversation
Sloth A
Do you think we should comply with the new rules at the gym?
Sloth B
Yeah, I guess it’s better to follow them than to get kicked out.
Sloth A
True, but some of them seem a bit strict, don’t you think?
Sloth B
Definitely, but we can still have fun as long as we comply.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
obey
submit
conform
Antonyms
defy
resist
disobey
Root Explanation

Comply → It is formed from "com-" (meaning together) and "plicare" (meaning to fold). The word "comply" means to fold together with rules or requests, indicating agreement or obedience.

Memory Tip

Think of 'together' ('com-') and 'folding' ('plicare') to remember that to comply means to agree or follow rules.

Visually Confused Words
recomply
coemploy
comely
copy
coly
Is this page helpful?