French word

obéir

Pronunciation

IPA/obeiʁ/

Meaning

  • verbobey

Example

Les enfants doivent obéir à leurs parents.

The children have to obey their parents.

Illustration for obéir (obey)

More examples

Le chien doit obéir à son maître.

The dog must obey its owner.

Core concept

A person places their actions under the direction of a command, rule, or authority.

Common phrases

  • obéir à ses parents

    obey one's parents

  • obéir à la loi

    obey the law

  • obéir aux ordres

    obey orders

Similar words

suivre: To follow someone's lead or proceed according to a plan.
écouter: To listen closely and bear the message in mind.
respecter: To acknowledge and observe another person's value, limits, or rules.

Definition in French

Se soumettre à la volonté, aux instructions ou aux règles émises par quelqu'un ou quelque chose.

Word origin

French obéir comes through Old French from Latin obedire, formed from ob- meaning 'toward' and audire meaning 'to hear'.

Usage tips

  • The verb requires à before the person or thing obeyed, as in obéir à ses parents or obéir à une règle.

Opposites

Related words

  • obéissanceobediencenoun
  • désobéissancedisobediencenoun
  • obéissantobedientadjective

Word lists with this word