The word "obey" is spelled with the letter "o" followed by the letters "b", "e", and "y". In IPA phonemic transcription, it is represented as /oʊˈbeɪ/. The first sound, /oʊ/, is a diphthong that represents the sounds of both the vowels "o" and "u". The second sound, /b/, is a voiced bilabial plosive consonant. The third sound, /eɪ/, represents a long "a" sound followed by a stressed "y" sound. Altogether, this spelling and phonetic representation create the word "obey" which means to comply with or follow orders.
Obey is a verb that refers to the act of following or conforming to a command, rule, law, or order. It implies compliance or submission to someone or something in authority, or to a set of established principles or guidelines. When a person obeys, they carry out or adhere to instructions or directions without resistance or objection.
Obeying often involves a willingness to listen and understand the expectations or requests put forth by an authority figure or higher power. It can encompass various areas of life, such as obeying the laws of the land, conforming to social norms, or following the rules set by an organization or institution. Complete obedience requires not only compliance with explicit commands but also respect for and adherence to the underlying principles or values upon which those commands are based.
Obeying is considered a virtue in many societies, as it fosters order, cooperation, and social cohesion. It can reflect a person's ability to follow given instructions or carry out tasks responsibly and dutifully. However, blind obedience, where critical thinking is overridden and personal judgment is not exercised, can also have negative implications, potentially leading to harmful actions or contributing to the perpetuation of unjust systems.
In summary, obeying entails the act of yielding to authority, conforming to established rules or instructions, and acknowledging and respecting the underlying principles or values that drive those commands.
To comply with the commands, orders, or instructions of a superior, as a parent, a master, or a teacher; to yield submission to.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word obey has its origins in the Latin word obedire, which means to obey or to hear. It is further derived from the Latin phrase ob audire, which translates to to listen to.