Permission or Obligation: English Vocabulary List

to keep following a certain regulation, belief, or agreement

"You must adhere to the safety rules."

"All employees must adhere to the company's strict dress code which requires professional attire during working hours."

to act in accordance with rules, regulations, or requests

"We must comply now."

"All employees are expected to comply with the company's strict safety protocols to prevent accidents."

to give someone permission to do something or to agree to do it

"She consented to the medical treatment."

"The patient finally consented to the surgery after the doctor explained all the risks and benefits clearly."

persuasive in a way that captures attention or convinces effectively

"His story is compelling."

"The compelling argument made by the defense attorney convinced the jury that the defendant was innocent and they returned a verdict of not guilty."

necessary as a result of a rule or law

"Attendance is obligatory."

"The obligatory meeting was held every Monday morning and all employees were required to attend or face disciplinary action."

to have a moral duty or be forced to do a particular thing, often due to legal reasons

"I feel obliged to help him."

"I feel obliged to help him because he has done so much for me in the past."

not allowed or possible

"A new car is out of the question."

"Going on holiday this year is out of the question because we simply do not have enough money."

limited or controlled by regulations or specific conditions

"The area is restricted."

"The restricted area was off limits to anyone without a security clearance and guards checked identification cards at the entrance."

(of a rule, process, etc.) strictly followed or applied

"The training is rigorous."

"The training program for the firefighters is rigorous and only those who are physically fit can successfully complete the entire course."

in a manner that is less strict when punishing someone or when enforcing a law

"The judge ruled leniently."

"The judge ruled leniently because it was the defendant first offense and he showed genuine remorse for his actions."

an amount of something that is permitted

"My parents increased my weekly allowance"

"The teenager earned his weekly allowance by doing chores around the house."

the action of making people obey a law or regulation

"Strict enforcement reduced illegal parking downtown"

"Law enforcement agencies worked together to arrest the members of the drug cartel."

the action of respecting or following the instructions of someone in authority

"The dog showed perfect obedience during training"

"The dog's obedience training ensured that it would come when called every time."

the power one has to influence decisions and actions

"He has the final say-so."

"No one can make such a significant decision without the director's say-so, as he controls the entire department."

rules that determine what one should or should not do in a particular situation

"Read the list of dos and don'ts first."

"The trainer explained the dos and don'ts of using the new software to all the employees."

used to show compliance with a specific rule, guideline, or standard

"We acted in accordance with the rules."

"We acted in accordance with the rules and completed all the required paperwork."

strictly adhering to established rules, procedures, or standardized practices

"He always does things by the book."

"The new manager does everything by the book and never breaks any rules at work."

to encourage someone to carry out a particular action without any reservations

"Feel free to ask me questions."

"Please feel free to ask any questions if you do not understand the instructions clearly."

to do things as one sees fit, not according to laws or rules

"He plays by his own rules."

"He plays by his own rules which sometimes gets him into trouble with his boss."

refusing to follow a law or rule

"The company is non-compliant."

"The non-compliant company refused to follow the safety regulations and the government fined them for putting workers at risk."

to refuse to respect a person of authority or to observe a law, rule, etc.

"They defy the rules."

"The protestors chose to openly defy the authorities by refusing to disperse from the public square."

to comply with laws or regulations

"Please observe the rules."

"All employees are expected to observe safety regulations meticulously to prevent workplace accidents."

persuasive in a way that captures attention or convinces effectively

"The evidence is compelling."

"The evidence is compelling and leaves no doubt that he committed the crime."

officially allowed or accepted according to the rules or laws that apply to a particular situation

"His claim is legitimate."

"The company had a legitimate reason for firing the employee because he was caught stealing money from the cash register on camera."

willing to accept, respect, and understand different behaviors, beliefs, opinions, etc.

"She has liberal views."

"Her liberal views on social issues made her a respected voice in the community."

(of a rule, process, etc.) strictly followed or applied

"The test is rigorous."

"The test is rigorous and only students who have studied very hard will pass it."

serious and strict in manner or attitude, often showing disapproval or authority

"The teacher had a stern look."

"His stern expression suggested that he was not pleased with their disruptive behavior."

the act of putting something to work

"The application of glue worked."

"The successful application of new technology significantly improved our company's productivity."

official permission to proceed or to happen

"We got clearance."

"The pilot received clearance from air traffic control before taking off for the international flight."

permission or authorization to do something

"She requested leave for next Monday"

"He requested annual leave for two weeks to travel to Japan with his family."

approval to begin a project

"The company gave us the green light"

"The city council gave the green light for the new housing development project."

something that is necessary to have or do

"Water is a must."

"Having a valid passport is an absolute must for international travel these days."

the action of refusing to approve, accept, consider, or support something

"His rejection letter arrived this morning"

"He feared rejection so much that he never applied for jobs he really wanted."

to be or act in accordance with a rule, standard, etc.

"They conform to rules."

"Many teenagers feel pressure to conform to popular trends in fashion and music to fit in with their peers."

to officially order to send a person to prison, psychiatric hospital, etc.

"They commit him."

"The court decided to commit the defendant to a rehabilitation center for his addiction."

supporting traditional values and beliefs and not willing to accept any contradictory change

"He is conservative."

"Her conservative views on social issues often clashed with the more progressive opinions of her peers."