Obeying Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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obeying
[əˈbeɪɪŋ ]
Definitions
following rules
Obeying refers to the act of complying with rules, commands, or requests. It implies adhering to the directives given by an authority figure or established guidelines. The concept is often associated with proper behavior and social order.
Synonyms
compliance, conformity, observance, submission.
Examples of usage
- Children are expected to obey their parents.
- Employees should obey company policies.
- Drivers must obey traffic signals.
- It's important to obey the law.
submitting to authority
Obeying can also imply yielding to someone in power or authority. This sense emphasizes the relationship between the follower and the leader, underscoring the trust and deference given.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Soldiers are trained to obey their commanders.
- Students should obey their teachers.
- Citizens are expected to obey the government.
- Animals may obey their trainers.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'obeying'
The word 'obey' comes from the Latin 'obaudire', with the prefix 'ob-', meaning 'to' or 'towards', and 'audire', meaning 'to hear'. It originally implied to listen or hear attentively, especially to authority figures. The evolution of the term in the English language has retained this connotation of respect and adherence to commands or laws. Its usage can be traced back to the Middle English period, where the term began to be commonly used in relation to social and moral obligations. Over time, 'obey' has been closely associated with concepts of authority, discipline, and governance, reflecting the values and structures of the societies that adopted it.