Words / B2

k-uh-m-PLEYE-uh-ns/kəmˈplaɪəns/

Compliance is obeying a law, rule, or request: in compliance with the policy, a compliance check. Obeying and following the rules are everyday; comply is the verb (already in the dictionary). The pattern is compliance with, not compliance to. In speech, following the rules is enough. The word is official, often legal or safety-related. Do not use it for a polite yes to a cup of tea.

Meaning

The act of obeying a law, rule, or request (compliance with).

Examples

• “The factory failed a compliance check.”
• “The lab failed a compliance audit over missing signatures, not over the science.”
• “In compliance with fire rules, bags stayed under the desks during the drill.”

Good to know

Obeying a rule/law. compliance with (not “to”). Verb: comply. Everyday: following the rules. Official/legal tone.

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