Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense complies, present participle complying, past tense, past participle complied
verb
If someone or something complieswith an order or set of rules, they are in accordance with what is required or expected.
The commander said that the army would comply with the ceasefire. [VERB + with]
Some beaches had failed to comply with European directives on bathing water. [VERBwith noun]
There are calls for his resignation, but there is no sign yet that he will comply. [VERB]
[Also Vto n]
Synonyms: obey, follow, respect, agree to More Synonyms of comply
comply in British English
(kəmˈplaɪ)
verbWord forms: -plies, -plying or -plied(intransitive)
1. (usually foll by with)
to act in accordance with rules, wishes, etc; be obedient (to)
2. obsolete
to be obedient or complaisant
Derived forms
complier (comˈplier)
noun
Word origin
C17: from Italian complire, from Spanish cumplir to complete; see compliment
comply in American English
(kəmˈplaɪ)
verb intransitiveWord forms: comˈplied or comˈplying
to act in accordance (with a request, order, rule, etc.)
Word origin
ME complien < OFr complir < L complere: see complete
Examples of 'comply' in a sentence
comply
It says that it tells hosts they must comply with local regulations.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
German officials decided that the scooters should comply with toy regulations.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It is therefore within its charitable purposes to campaign on environmental issues so long as it complies with charity law.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
It is the regular complaint of decent landlords that they strive to comply with the regulations, while the rogues routinely escape censure.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
This requires that the public and lawmakers have confidence that those entrusted to uphold the law will comply with it themselves, both on and off duty.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It embodies the official view of the good school, which amounts to scoring well in examinations and on other measurements, and complying with regulations.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Does the product comply with local regulations?
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
My brother insists that they comply with the law.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
We act responsibly and comply with employment and tax laws and regulations at all times.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Labour said it has complied with the law.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
It was done by asking companies to comply with the law.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Has the treasurer complied with the law?
Christianity Today (2000)
All our advertising campaigns comply with law and regulation.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Businesses argue that the demands of complying with the law are too onerous and that it could harm their competitiveness.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
We fully comply with the law.
The Sun (2013)
The sites make clear that it is the householder's responsibility to comply with all regulations.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It has given arms giants until January to comply with regulations and reduce their charges or be named and shamed.
The Sun (2016)
If you are replacing a concrete floor entirely, your builder will need to fit insulation to comply with building regulations.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The supplier complies yet again.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Labour began an inquiry to check whether the donations complied with the law requiring that gifts to political parties over a modest amount are fully declared.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
While the application process for less ambitious renovation or remodelling schemes will be quicker, homeowners would still need to comply with building regulations.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
What should I be keeping to comply with regulations?
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
It says it complies with UK law.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Which is embarrassing, with them looking straight at us, yet we all comply.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
To comply with local regulations, the properties will go into a rental pool when they're not being used by their owners.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
If a council finds a dog without a chip, the owner will get 21 days to comply with the law or be fined.
The Sun (2016)
To comply with ICSTIS regulations, calls are recorded for your protection.
The Sun (2011)
In other languages
comply
British English: comply VERB
If someone or something complies with an order or set of rules, they do what is required or expected.
The commander said that the army would comply with the ceasefire.
American English: comply
Brazilian Portuguese: obedecer
Chinese: 遵从
European Spanish: cumplir
French: respecter
German: einhalten
Italian: osservare
Japanese: 従う
Korean: 따르다
European Portuguese: obedecer
Latin American Spanish: cumplir
Chinese translation of 'comply'
comply
(kəmˈplaɪ)
vi
to comply (with sth)[person]遵从(從)(某事) (zūncóng (mǒushì)) [thing]遵守(某事) (zūnshǒu (mǒushì))
(verb)
Definition
to act in accordance (with a rule, order, or request)
The commander said that the army would comply with the ceasefire.
Synonyms
obey
The commander refused to obey an order.
follow
Take care to follow the instructions.
respect
It's about time they respected the law.
agree to
satisfy
The procedures should satisfy certain basic requirements.
observe
Forcing motorists to observe speed restrictions is difficult.