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compliance

kuhm-PLY-unss /kəmˈplaɪəns/

nounB2TOEFLIELTSGMAT

businesslegalneutral

The action or fact of complying with a wish or command; meeting official requirements.

Can be neutral (following safety rules) or slightly negative (giving in to pressure).

The story behind the word. From the Latin 'complere,' meaning 'to fill up.' In a social sense, it means 'filling' the requirements or expectations set by another person or an authority.

Word relationships

obedience: Obedience is more personal and direct; compliance is often about following abstract rules or systems.
acquiescence: Acquiescence implies a silent or reluctant acceptance, while compliance is the act of following through.

defiance: Defiance is an active, often aggressive refusal to follow rules.

Commonly confused with

complacence: Complacence is self-satisfaction; compliance is following rules.

Word family

comply (verb): To act in accordance with a wish or command.
compliant (adjective): Inclined to agree with others or obey rules.

Collocations

regulatory compliance
ensure compliance
in compliance with

Idioms & expressions

play by the rules
toe the line

Example sentences

"The company was in full compliance with all environmental regulations." Corporate regulation.
"The Milgram experiment studied the limits of human compliance with authority." Social psychology experiment.

Memory hook

Compliance is like a 'compliment' to the rules—you are showing them respect by following them. Compliance = Comply with the Alliance.

When not to use

Do not use for enthusiastic agreement; it implies a response to an external rule or request.

Fun facts

In the financial world, 'Compliance Officers' are some of the most important employees, ensuring the bank doesn't break international laws.