compliant

What does “compliant” mean?

adjective.inclined to agree with others or obey rules, especially to an excessive degree.

SAT Usage

This term often appears in contexts involving authority, obedience, or social dynamics, illustrating relationships in which individuals or groups adhere to rules or expectations. It emphasizes an excessive or uncritical submission, distinguishing it from similar words like "obedient," which may not carry the same connotation of passivity or unreflective agreement.

Common Confusions

Compliant implies an excessive or uncritical submission to rules, while obedient usually suggests a more general adherence to commands without the same connotation of passivity.

Example Sentences

• The company remained compliant with all safety regulations.

• The browser is standards-compliant.

• The new software was designed to be compliant with all current regulations, ensuring that businesses could operate without fear of legal repercussions.

Word Parts: How to Remember “compliant”

Break “compliant” into its parts: co- (together, with). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: co- together, with (Latin)