Compliant: meaning, definitions and examples

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compliant

[kəmˈplaɪənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

behavior

inclined to comply; obedient; willing to follow rules or standards

Synonyms

docile, obedient, submissive, tractable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
compliant	Used to describe someone who easily agrees with rules, requests, or instructions, often in a professional or regulatory setting. The employees were compliant with the new safety regulations. She is compliant with all the company policies.
obedient	Refers to someone who shows a strong willingness to follow orders or rules, often used regarding children, pets, or subordinates. The obedient student always follows the teacher's instructions. Make sure your dog is obedient during training.
submissive	Describes someone who is inclined or willing to submit to the authority of others, often carrying a negative connotation implying weakness or lack of assertiveness. She was too submissive in the relationship, letting him make all the decisions. He has a submissive nature and rarely voices his own opinions.
docile	Describes someone who is quiet and easy to control, often in situations where calmness and gentleness are valued. The puppy is very docile and playful. A docile patient is easier to manage.
tractable	Used to describe someone or something that is easy to manage or influence, common in context where flexibility and adaptability are valued. A tractable child is easier to teach and guide. The software is very tractable and can be modified to suit various needs.

Examples of usage

He was always compliant with the company's policies and procedures.
She is a compliant student who never causes any trouble in class.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

legal

a person or organization that complies with official requirements

Synonyms

conformist, law-abiding, obedient.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
compliant	This term typically describes someone or something that easily agrees to follow rules or requests, often without questioning them. It can be used positively or neutrally depending on the context. She is a compliant employee who always follows the instructions given by her manager. The new software is very compliant with industry standards.
conformist	This word is often used negatively to describe someone who follows traditional standards or societal norms too closely, often at the expense of individuality. He was labelled a conformist because he never challenged the outdated policies at work. Her conformist attitude made her blend into the crowd without making an impact.
law-abiding	This word describes someone who adheres strictly to the laws and regulations of society. It is generally positive and used to denote respect for the law. John is a law-abiding citizen who always pays his taxes on time. The community praised the law-abiding behavior of the local businesses.
obedient	This term often refers to someone who follows instructions or authority figures without question. It can have a positive, neutral, or negative connotation depending on the context. The obedient dog followed all the commands of its owner. Children in that school are expected to be obedient and disciplined.

Examples of usage

The company is considered a compliant in terms of tax regulations.
He ensured that all employees were compliant with safety guidelines.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Latin 'compliance', meaning 'to fold together', suggesting a bending to rules or requests.
The suffix '-ant' indicates a quality of action, turning the verb 'comply' into an adjective.
In English, it started being used in the early 15th century, originally describing the act of yielding or submitting.

Psychology

Compliant behavior can be influenced by social norms and the desire for acceptance within a group.
People may be more compliant in situations where they feel less powerful or face authority figures.
Understanding compliance is crucial in therapy settings, where clients' openness to follow advice influences treatment success.

Business and Law

In corporate settings, compliance refers to adhering to laws and regulations to avoid legal penalties.
Organizations often implement compliance programs to ensure all employees follow company policies and legal requirements.
Non-compliance can lead to significant financial consequences and damage to reputation in business circles.

Education

In educational settings, compliant students tend to follow instructions, participate in class, and respect authority.
Teaching strategies often involve encouraging compliance to create a structured learning environment beneficial for all.
Balancing compliance with critical thinking is essential for developing independent learners.

Culture

Cultural norms can heavily influence what is seen as compliant behavior, varying widely between societies.
In some cultures, compliance is valued as a sign of respect, while in others, individualism may be more encouraged.
Art and literature often explore themes of compliance and rebellion, showcasing the tension between authority and personal freedom.

Translations

Translations of the word "compliant" in other languages:

🇵🇹 conforme

🇮🇳 अनुपालन करने वाला

🇩🇪 konform

🇮🇩 patuh

🇺🇦 відповідний

🇵🇱 zgodny

🇯🇵 従順な

🇫🇷 conforme

🇪🇸 conforme

🇹🇷 uyumlu

🇰🇷 준수하는

🇸🇦 متوافق

🇨🇿 vyhovující

🇸🇰 vyhovujúci

🇨🇳 符合

🇸🇮 skladen

🇮🇸 samræmdur

🇰🇿 сәйкес

🇬🇪 შესაბამისი

🇦🇿 uyğun

🇲🇽 conforme

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,921, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
15918 fairer
15919 ecstatic
15920 porphyry
15921 compliant
15922 redness
15923 insignia
15924 bacterium
...