Cool MateComply vs Obey
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Comply
Top 5,000 (fairly common)C1verb
Obey
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Most common: Obey
| Comply | Obey | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kəmˈplaɪ/","/kəmˈplaɪz/","/kəmˈplaɪd/","/kəmˈplaɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kəmˈplaɪ/","/kəmˈplaɪz/","/kəmˈplaɪd/","/kəmˈplaɪɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈbeɪ/","/əˈbeɪz/","/əˈbeɪd/","/əˈbeɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈbeɪ/","/əˈbeɪz/","/əˈbeɪd/","/əˈbeɪɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To follow rules or requests. | To do what someone tells you to do. |
| Example | They refused to comply with the UN resolution. | In order to maintain order, everyone must obey the rules. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | fully, reluctantly, happily, fail to, refuse to, with | immediately, instantly, quickly, have to, must, refuse to, be only obeying orders, a duty to obey, an obligation to obey |
| Antonyms | disobey, ignore, flout | disobey, ignore |
| Common mistakes | Using 'comply' without the preposition 'with'., Confusing 'comply' with 'compromise'., Misusing the tense, such as saying 'complyed'. | Confused with 'obeyed' in past tense usage., Using 'obey' without an object, which is incorrect., Mixing up 'obey' with 'comply' - they are similar but not interchangeable. |
| Usage notes | Used in formal contexts, such as legal settings or official instructions. Less common in casual conversations. Avoid using in situations where agreement is more appropriate. | Use 'obey' in contexts involving rules, laws, or authority figures. It's suitable for both formal and casual situations, but avoid using it with someone you know well unless discussing serious issues. |
Frequently asked questions: Comply vs Obey
What's the difference between Comply and Obey?
Comply: To follow rules or requests. Obey: To do what someone tells you to do.
Which is more common: Comply and Obey?
Obey is the most common in everyday English.
Are Comply and Obey the same CEFR level?
Comply: C1, Obey: B2 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Comply and Obey interchangeably?
Not always. Comply and Obey are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.