comply

/kəmˈplaɪ/

Group 16Difficulty 1/3

Definition

(verb)
To act in accordance with a wish or command
GRE

Example in Context

Companies that failed to comply with the new data privacy regulations faced fines of up to four percent of their annual revenue.

Synonyms

obeyfollowconform

Etymology

Means to fold together with someone’s request or command.

  • com- (Latin) — together
  • plicare (Latin) — to fold

Memory Aid

🧶Sounds like “come ply

Imagine someone shouting 'COME PLY with us!' as they drag you into a knitting circle — you have NO choice but to COMPLY!

Visual Association

A sheep following a shepherd obediently, nodding in agreement to every command.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “comply” mean on the GRE?

comply (verb) means “To act in accordance with a wish or command”. Companies that failed to comply with the new data privacy regulations faced fines of up to four percent of their annual revenue.

How to remember “comply” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “comply” sounds like “come ply”. Imagine someone shouting 'COME PLY with us!' as they drag you into a knitting circle — you have NO choice but to COMPLY!

What are synonyms for “comply”?

Common synonyms: obey, follow, conform.