Compliance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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compliance
[kəmˈplaɪəns ]
Definitions
business
The action or fact of complying with a wish or command. It involves following rules, regulations, or standards set by an authority.
Synonyms
adherence, conformity, obedience.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| compliance |
Used in formal or legal contexts to describe the act of following rules, regulations, or standards.
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| adherence |
Used when talking about sticking to personal, organizational, or professional codes, principles, or routines.
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| conformity |
Often used in social contexts where people act in accordance with societal norms or expectations. Can have a negative connotation if it implies lack of individuality.
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| obedience |
Used when talking about following orders or commands, typically in hierarchical structures such as military or authoritarian settings. Often implies submission.
|
Examples of usage
- The company's compliance with industry regulations is crucial for its success.
- Employees are required to sign a compliance agreement when joining the organization.
legal
The state or fact of according with or meeting rules or standards. It often refers to following laws and regulations.
Synonyms
conformity, obedience, observance.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| compliance |
This term is often used in legal, business, and regulatory settings to indicate adherence to rules, standards, or laws.
|
| conformity |
This word is commonly used to describe behavior that matches social norms or expectations. It can also imply a lack of individuality.
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| observance |
Typically used to refer to the practice of following religious, cultural, or traditional rules and rituals.
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| obedience |
Most often used in the context of following orders or commands from an authority figure. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of independent thought.
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Examples of usage
- The lawyer emphasized the importance of compliance with the legal requirements.
- Non-compliance can result in severe penalties and legal consequences.
medical
The act of obeying a request, rule, or law. In healthcare, it refers to following guidelines and protocols to ensure patient safety.
Synonyms
adherence, conformity, observance.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| compliance |
This is often used in legal, regulatory, or corporate contexts to mean following rules, standards, or laws. It can sometimes have a negative connotation if it implies excessive control.
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| adherence |
This is used when talking about sticking faithfully to a particular rule, principle, or plan. It's often used in medical or ethical contexts.
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| conformity |
This term is used to describe behavior that matches the expected norms, rules, or standards of a group or society. It can have a negative connotation if it suggests a lack of individuality.
|
| observance |
This is typically used in the context of rituals, traditions, and holidays. It suggests respect and adherence to certain customs or ceremonies.
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Examples of usage
- Strict compliance with hygiene regulations is necessary in a hospital setting.
- Nurses are trained to prioritize patient compliance with prescribed treatments.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Law & Ethics
- In many professions, compliance is critical to maintain ethical standards and avoid legal issues.
- Regulatory bodies, such as the SEC in finance, enforce compliance laws to protect investors.
- Failing to achieve compliance can lead to severe penalties, including fines or loss of license.
Psychology
- People often comply with requests due to social pressure or the desire to be accepted by others.
- The phenomenon of 'groupthink' can lead to compliance, where individuals prioritize group harmony over personal beliefs.
- Studies show that people are more likely to comply when asked politely or when they feel a sense of obligation.
Business
- In corporate environments, compliance programs are established to ensure all employees follow company policies and regulations.
- Monitoring compliance reduces risks and helps companies maintain a good reputation with consumers and partners.
- Training sessions on compliance are often mandated to keep staff informed of their obligations.
Cultural Context
- Compliance varies greatly across cultures; some cultures emphasize collective agreement while others value individual dissent.
- In some societies, blind compliance with authority can lead to an imbalance of power and social injustice.
- Art, such as literature and theater, often critiques or challenges norms of compliance through thought-provoking narratives.
Origin of 'compliance'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin term 'compliantem', meaning 'to fold together', emphasizing agreement.
- It entered the English language in the late 14th century, initially used in legal contexts.
- The suffix '-ance' indicates a state or quality, so compliance means the state of being compliant.
The word 'compliance' originated from the Latin word 'complēre', which means 'to fill up'. Over time, it evolved to encompass the idea of fulfilling obligations or conforming to rules. The concept of compliance has been significant in various fields such as business, law, and healthcare, highlighting the importance of following regulations and standards for smooth operations and safety.
See also: compliant, compliantly.