What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Satisfy vs Comply - What's the difference?

satisfy | comply |

As verbs the difference between satisfy and comply

is that satisfy is to do enough for; to meet the needs of; to fulfill the wishes or requirements of while comply is to yield assent; to accord; agree, or acquiesce; to adapt one's self; to consent or conform.

satisfy

English

Verb

(en-verb)
  • To do enough for; to meet the needs of; to fulfill the wishes or requirements of.
  • I'm not satisfied with the quality of the food here.
  • * Milton
  • Death shall with us two / Be forced to satisfy his ravenous maw.
  • To cause (a sentence) to be true when the sentence is interpreted in one's universe.
  • The complex numbers satisfy \exists x:x^2+1=0.
  • (dated, literary, transitive) To convince by ascertaining; to free from doubt.
  • * Atterbury
  • The standing evidences of the truth of the gospel are in themselves most firm, solid, and satisfying .
  • * 1851 ,
  • I was resolved to satisfy myself whether this ragged Elijah was really dogging us or not, and with that intent crossed the way with Queequeg, and on that side of it retraced our steps.
  • To pay to the extent of what is claimed or due.
  • to satisfy a creditor
  • To answer or discharge (a claim, debt, legal demand, etc.); to give compensation for.
  • to satisfy a claim or an execution

    Antonyms

    * (l) * (l)

    comply

    English

    Verb

    (en-verb)
  • To yield assent; to accord; agree, or acquiesce; to adapt one's self; to consent or conform.
  • * (John Milton) (1608-1674)
  • Yet this be sure, in nothing to comply , / Scandalous or forbidden in our law.
  • * (John Tillotson) (1630-1694)
  • They did servilely comply with the people in worshiping God by sensible images.
  • * 1664? , , (Hudibras)
  • He that complies against his will / Is of his own opinion still.
  • *{{quote-book, year=1922, author=(Ben Travers)
  • , chapter=6, title= A Cuckoo in the Nest , passage=But Sophia's mother was not the woman to brook defiance. After a few moments' vain remonstrance her husband complied .}}
  • *
  • (label) To be ceremoniously courteous; to make one's compliments.
  • * 1599 , , II. ii. 371:
  • Let me comply with you in this / garb, lest my extent to the players, which I tell you must / show fairly outwards, should more appear like entertainment / than yours.
  • (label) To fulfill; to accomplish.
  • (Chapman)
  • (label) To enfold; to embrace.
  • * (1591-1674)
  • Seemed to comply , / Cloudlike, the daintie deitie.

    Usage notes

    * Usually followed by "with".

    Antonyms

    * violate

    Anagrams

    *