What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abides
Example
He abides by the company's code of conduct. [abides: verb]
Example
She abided by her decision not to attend the party. [abided: past tense]
Example
The old man abides in the same house he built fifty years ago. [abides: verb]
comply
Example
All employees must comply with the safety regulations. [comply: verb]
Example
The company complied with the government's request for information. [complied: past tense]
Example
The product must comply with the industry standards. [comply: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Comply is more commonly used than abides in everyday language, especially in formal contexts such as legal or business documents.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between abides and comply?
Comply is more formal than abides, making it more appropriate for professional or academic settings. However, abides can be used in casual conversations or personal writing.
