obey
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /oʊˈbeɪ/
KK: /oʊˈbeɪ/
intransitive verb
Definition
To act in accordance with rules, commands, or requests from someone in authority.
Example
Children are expected to obey their parents.
Tense Forms
Past: obeyed
Past Participle: obeyed
Conversation
Do you think dogs will always obey their owners?
I believe they do, especially when trained well.
Yeah, it's amazing how much they want to please us.
Exactly! It's all about building that trust.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
follow
submit
heed
Antonyms
defy
disobey
resist
transitive verb
Definition
To follow or do what someone tells you to do, especially a rule or command.
Example
Children are expected to obey their parents' rules.
Tense Forms
Past: obeyed
Past Participle: obeyed
Conversation
Did you obey the teacher's instructions for the project?
Of course! I always try to follow the rules.
That's good to hear; it really helps everyone stay on track.
Root Explanation
Obey comes from the Latin 'obedire', which is formed from 'ob-' (meaning toward) and 'audire' (meaning to hear). The word originally meant to hear or listen to someone in authority, thus implying compliance or submission to their commands.
Memory Tip
Think of 'hearing' ('audire') someone 'toward' you ('ob-') — this helps you remember that to obey means to listen and follow what someone in authority says.
Visually Confused Words
obley
obe
bey
nobley