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compliance

kum-PLY-unss /kəmˈplaɪ.əns/

nounB2TOEFLIELTS

formalneutral

The act of obeying or conforming to a rule, command, request, or law.

Implies yielding to established guidelines or authority, sometimes with passive willingness.

The story behind the word. Traces back through Italian compilare and Latin complere ('to fill up' or 'fulfill'). In 17th-century English, it developed the sense of fulfilling a requirement or yielding to a rule.

Word relationships

conformity: 'Conformity' implies matching general social standards, whereas 'compliance' emphasizes adhering strictly to rules.
obedience: 'Obedience' refers to following direct personal orders, while 'compliance' often applies to rules and policies.

defiance: 'Defiance' is open, bold resistance to authority.
noncompliance: 'Noncompliance' is the explicit failure to conform to rules.

Commonly confused with

complacency: 'Complacency' is uncritical satisfaction with oneself; 'compliance' is adherence to external rules.

Word family

compliant (adjective): Disposed to agree or comply.
comply (verb): To act in accordance with a wish or command.

Collocations

ensure compliance
in compliance with
regulatory compliance
full compliance

Example sentences

"Strict compliance with safety protocols is mandatory during chemistry lab experiments." School Policy
"The institution appointed a compliance officer to ensure all staff members adhered to regulations." Corporate Governance

Memory hook

Complying with rules complete-s your obligation. Follow the line and stay in compliance.

When not to use

Do not confuse with 'complacency', which means self-satisfied laziness.

Fun facts

In modern business, 'compliance department' is one of the fastest-growing job sectors due to complex international regulations.