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- pronunciation:
- o
beI
- parts of speech:
- transitive verb, intransitive verb
- features:
- Word Combinations (verb), Word History, Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| inflections: |
obeys, obeying, obeyed |
| definition 1: |
to follow or carry out the command, instruction, or wishes of (someone).
The servant had no choice but to obey her mistress.- synonyms:
- comply with, mind
- antonyms:
- command, defy, disobey
- similar words:
- abide by, acquiesce to, observe, submit to, surrender, yield to
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| definition 2: |
to observe or fulfill (rules, requests, or the like).
The people obeyed the king's command.Most of the students obey the rule, but some ignore it.Those who refused to obey the law were punished.- synonyms:
- abide by, carry out, fulfill, mind, observe
- antonyms:
- disobey, ignore, violate
- similar words:
- comply with, conform to, discharge, execute, keep, perform
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| definition 3: |
of a thing, to move or act in accordance with; respond to.
The planets obey the law of gravity.- synonyms:
- conform to, observe, respond to
- antonyms:
- disobey
- similar words:
- comply with, follow, react to, reflect
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| related words: |
fulfill, heed, respect |
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| part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
| definition: |
to act in an obedient manner.
She was a shy and unassertive child who always obeyed.- synonyms:
- comply, mind
- antonyms:
- command, disobey, rebel
- similar words:
- conform, defer, knuckle under, submit
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| related words: |
adhere, answer, behave, follow, listen |
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| derivations: |
obeyable (adj.), obeyingly (adv.), obeyer (n.) |
The word obey comes from an early French word that means "give ear to" or "pay attention to."
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