compliance

UK: kəmˈplaɪəns | US: kəmˈplaɪəns

Definition
  1. n. the act of obeying a rule, agreement, or demand

  2. n. the state of conforming to standards or regulations

  3. n. (medicine) the degree to which a patient follows medical advice

Structure
com <with>pli <fold/bend>ance <noun suffix>com <with>pli <fold/bend>ance <noun suffix>
Etymology

compliance = com<with> + pli<fold/bend> + ance<noun suffix>

  • com<with>: From Latin cum, meaning "with" or "together."
  • pli<fold/bend>: From Latin plicare, meaning "to fold" or "to bend," reflecting adaptability or submission.
  • ance<noun suffix>: Forms nouns indicating a state or quality (e.g., "resistance," "acceptance").

Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin complere (to fill up, fulfill), evolving through Old French complir (to accomplish). The root pli (fold/bend) metaphorically suggests yielding or adapting to external demands, hence "compliance" as submission to rules. The suffix -ance solidifies it as a noun denoting the state of conformity.

Examples
  1. The company ensured full compliance with environmental laws.

  2. Patient compliance is critical for effective treatment.

  3. The software checks for regulatory compliance automatically.

  4. Non-compliance may result in penalties.

  5. Her strict compliance with the guidelines earned praise.