Comply vs. Compliance — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 10, 2024
Comply is an action verb meaning to act according to a wish or command, whereas compliance is a noun denoting the state of meeting rules or standards.
Difference Between Comply and Compliance
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Comply is a verb that refers to the act of following instructions, rules, or requests made by others. It involves a direct, active response to a specific directive. For example, when a person is asked to provide identification at an airport, choosing to show their ID is an act of complying with the request. On the other hand, compliance is a noun that describes the state or condition of being in accordance with established guidelines, regulations, or laws. It's often used in contexts where adherence to specific standards or rules is measured or evaluated, such as in regulatory compliance in businesses.
While comply emphasizes the action taken by an individual or group to meet a specific requirement or request, compliance focuses on the broader concept of adhering to a set of standards or regulations. Compliance can be viewed as the outcome or result of multiple acts of complying. For instance, a company's adherence to environmental laws is a state of compliance, achieved through various actions to comply with those laws.
The use of comply often implies a choice or decision to follow a directive, suggesting a momentary or specific action. In contrast, compliance can imply a continuous state or ongoing effort to maintain adherence to certain guidelines or standards. Compliance is often monitored and evaluated by external entities to ensure ongoing adherence to certain criteria.
In legal and regulatory contexts, compliance is a critical term that reflects an organization's alignment with laws and regulations. It encompasses various aspects, including policies, procedures, and audits, to ensure that the organization continuously meets legal and ethical standards. Comply, in these contexts, would be used to describe specific instances of following these standards.
The terminology also differs in its application; "comply" is used with respect to actions by individuals or entities in specific situations, whereas "compliance" is used to discuss the concept in a broader, often more abstract sense. This distinction is important for understanding the practical implications of each term in various fields such as law, business, and healthcare.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb
Noun
Definition
To act in accordance with a wish or command
The state of being in accordance with laws or regulations
Context of Use
Individual actions or decisions
Organizational or systemic adherence
Implication
Choice or action by an individual or entity
Continuous effort and state of adherence
Focus
Specific action or response
Broad concept or condition
Compare with Definitions
Comply
To agree to a proposal or demand.
The defendant agreed to comply with the court's ruling.
Compliance
The act of conforming to a rule, standard, or law.
The firm's compliance with international trade laws was audited.
Comply
To act according to a request or command.
The passengers were asked to comply with the safety instructions.
Compliance
The condition of meeting the requirements of a law or policy.
Achieving compliance with data protection regulations was a major milestone for the organization.
Comply
To fulfill a requirement or meet a condition.
The company complied with the new regulations by upgrading its systems.
Compliance
A measure of how well policies or regulations are followed.
The company's compliance rate with safety measures improved significantly.
Comply
To conform to a standard or protocol.
Manufacturers must comply with quality standards for their products.
Compliance
The state of being in agreement with specified regulations.
Compliance with environmental policies is mandatory for all branches.
Comply
To yield or accede to a set of rules or guidelines.
To access the building, visitors must comply with security procedures.
Compliance
Adherence to a request, condition, or specification.
The project's compliance with the client's specifications was commendable.
Comply
To act in accordance with another's command, request, rule, or wish
The patient complied with the physician's orders.
Compliance
The action or fact of complying with a wish or command
The ways in which the state maintains order and compliance
Comply
(Obsolete) To be courteous or obedient.
Compliance
The property of a material of undergoing elastic deformation or (of a gas) change in volume when subjected to an applied force. It is equal to the reciprocal of stiffness.
Comply
To yield assent; to accord; to acquiesce, agree, consent; to adapt oneself, to conform.
Compliance
The act of complying with a wish, request, or demand; acquiescence.
Comply
(archaic) To accomplish, to fulfil.
Compliance
(Medicine) Willingness to follow a prescribed course of treatment.
Comply
(archaic) To be ceremoniously courteous; to make one's compliments.
Compliance
A disposition or tendency to yield to the will of others.
Comply
(archaic) To enfold; to embrace.
Compliance
Extension or displacement of a loaded structure per unit load.
Comply
To yield assent; to accord; agree, or acquiesce; to adapt one's self; to consent or conform; - usually followed by with.
Yet this be sure, in nothing to comply,Scandalous or forbidden in our law.
They did servilely comply with the people in worshiping God by sensible images.
He that complies against his willIs of his own opinion still.
Compliance
Flexibility.
Comply
To be ceremoniously courteous; to make one's compliments.
Compliance
An act of complying.
Comply
To fulfill; to accomplish.
Compliance
(uncountable) The state of being compliant.
Comply
To infold; to embrace.
Seemed to comply,Cloudlike, the daintie deitie.
Compliance
(uncountable) The tendency of conforming with or agreeing to the wishes of others.
Comply
Act in accordance with someone's rules, commands, or wishes;
He complied with my instructions
You must comply or else!
Follow these simple rules
Abide by the rules
Compliance
(mechanics) A measure of the extension or displacement of a loaded structure; its flexibility
Compliance
(medicine) The accuracy with which a patient follows an agreed treatment plan
Compliance
The department of a business that ensures all government regulations are complied with.
Compliance
The act of complying; a yielding; as to a desire, demand, or proposal; concession; submission.
What compliances will remove dissension?
Ready compliance with the wishes of his people.
Compliance
A disposition to yield to others; complaisance.
A man of few words and of great compliance.
Compliance
Acting according to certain accepted standards
Compliance
Happy friendly agreement
Compliance
A disposition or tendency to yield to the will of others
Compliance
The act of submitting; usually surrendering power to another
Common Curiosities
What is compliance in a business context?
In a business context, compliance refers to the state of meeting or adhering to laws, regulations, and ethical standards relevant to the business operations.
What is the difference between compliance and adhering?
Compliance specifically refers to meeting the requirements of laws, regulations, or standards, while adhering can refer more broadly to following any set of rules or guidelines.
Can an individual be in compliance?
Yes, an individual can be in compliance when they adhere to specific rules, guidelines, or standards that apply to their actions or behavior.
How can a company ensure compliance?
A company can ensure compliance by implementing effective policies, conducting regular training, and performing audits to monitor and enforce adherence to relevant standards and regulations.
What does it mean to comply with something?
To comply with something means to follow instructions, rules, or requests made by others or required by law.
What happens if you fail to comply?
Failing to comply with laws or regulations can result in penalties, fines, legal action, or damage to reputation, depending on the severity of the non-compliance.
Is compliance always mandatory?
Compliance is usually mandatory in the context of laws and regulations, but the specifics can vary depending on the context and jurisdiction.
What role does compliance play in risk management?
Compliance plays a critical role in risk management by helping organizations identify and mitigate legal and regulatory risks.
How is compliance measured?
Compliance is often measured through audits, inspections, and reviews that evaluate adherence to relevant laws, regulations, and standards.
Can compliance be flexible?
While compliance with laws is mandatory, there may be some flexibility in how organizations meet certain regulatory standards, allowing for different approaches to achieving compliance.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
