Obay vs. Obey — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 4, 2024
"Obay" is an incorrect spelling. The proper form is "Obey," which means to follow or comply with rules or commands.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Obay or Obey
How to spell Obey?
Obay
Incorrect Spelling
Obey
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Remember the word "obey" as “O” + “bey” (like the singer Beyoncé, who many "obey" by attending her concerts).
Recall "obey" rhymes with "prey."
Associate "obey" with "okay" to remember the "e" spelling.
Think of obeying the correct spelling: "obey."
Envision "e" as a sign of acceptance, and you accept commands when you "obey."
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How Do You Spell Obey Correctly?
Incorrect: Dogs can be trained to obay basic commands.
Correct: Dogs can be trained to obey basic commands.
Incorrect: Obay the law at all times.
Correct: Obey the law at all times.
Incorrect: You must obay the instructions given by the lifeguard.
Correct: You must obey the instructions given by the lifeguard.
Incorrect: Teachers expect students to obay the rules.
Correct: Teachers expect students to obey the rules.
Incorrect: It's important to obay your parents.
Correct: It's important to obey your parents.
Obey Definitions
Comply with or follow the commands, restrictions, wishes, or instructions of.
Dogs are trained to obey their owners.
To follow or act in accordance with rules or commands.
He refused to obey his parents.
Accept and follow a decision or rule.
They agreed to obey the court's decision.
Submit to the authority of someone or something.
All citizens must obey the law.
Conform, comply, or act in accordance with.
The computer software doesn't always obey the user's commands.
To carry out or fulfill the command, order, or instruction of.
To carry out or comply with (a command, for example).
To behave obediently.
(transitive) To do as ordered by (a person, institution etc), to act according to the bidding of.
(intransitive) To do as one is told.
To be obedient, compliant (to a given law, restriction etc.).
To give ear to; to execute the commands of; to yield submission to; to comply with the orders of.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord.
Was she the God, that her thou didst obey?
To submit to the authority of; to be ruled by.
My will obeyed his will.
Afric and India shall his power obey.
To yield to the impulse, power, or operation of; as, a ship obeys her helm.
To give obedience.
Will he obey when one commands?
His servants ye are, to whom ye obey.
He commanded the trumpets to sound: to which the two brave knights obeying, they performed their courses.
Be obedient to
Obey Meaning in a Sentence
Obey your elders and listen to their advice.
Children should obey their teachers in class.
To maintain order, it's necessary for citizens to obey laws.
To stay safe, obey all warnings at the beach.
You need to obey the rules of the game to play.
In the library, everyone must obey the quiet rule.
Obey the speed limit to ensure everyone's safety on the road.
It's crucial to obey the safety signs while hiking.
Pets must be trained to obey commands.
To enjoy the game, all players must obey the referee's decisions.
Please obey the instructions on the medication label carefully.
When baking, you must obey the recipe for the best results.
In an emergency, it's vital to obey the instructions of first responders.
Obey Idioms & Phrases
Obey the call of duty
To fulfill one's obligations or responsibilities.
When his country needed him, he obeyed the call of duty.
Obey at one's peril
A warning that not following instructions could lead to danger or trouble.
You obey the warning signs at your peril when hiking in this area.
Obey your thirst
A phrase encouraging one to satisfy their cravings or desires.
After the long run, he obeyed his thirst with a large glass of water.
To obey blindly
To follow orders without questioning them.
The soldiers were taught not to obey blindly but to think critically.
Obey the letter of the law
To follow the law exactly, without interpreting it.
He always obeys the letter of the law to avoid any trouble.
To obey is better than sacrifice
Suggests that following instructions or laws is more important than offering something up.
He learned that to obey is better than sacrifice when he tried to make amends.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called Obey?
The term "obey" is derived from the Latin "oboedire," meaning to listen, heed, or follow commands.
What is the pronunciation of Obey?
/oʊˈbeɪ/
What is the verb form of Obey?
"Obey."
What is the root word of Obey?
Derived from Old French "obeir," from Latin "oboedire."
What is the singular form of Obey?
Obey (it's a verb, so it doesn't have singular/plural forms in the same way nouns do).
Which conjunction is used with Obey?
No specific conjunction is exclusively tied to "obey."
Which preposition is used with Obey?
"to," as in "obey to the rules."
Which article is used with Obey?
"the," as in "obey the law."
Is Obey an abstract noun?
It can be used as one, referring to the act or state of obedience.
Is Obey a negative or positive word?
Neutral, though it often has positive connotations in contexts promoting order and compliance.
What is the plural form of Obey?
Not applicable, as "obey" is a verb.
Is Obey an adverb?
No.
Which vowel is used before Obey?
The vowel "o."
Is the word Obey imperative?
It can be, as in the command "Obey me!"
Is the word “Obey” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
It can serve as either, depending on the sentence structure.
What is another term for Obey?
Comply.
What is the first form of Obey?
Obey.
Is the word Obey a gerund?
No, "obeying" is the gerund form.
How many syllables are in Obey?
Two.
How do we divide Obey into syllables?
O-bey.
Is Obey a noun or adjective?
Obey is primarily a verb, but it can be used as a noun in specific contexts.
Is Obey a countable noun?
Not in its primary verb form.
Is the Obey term a metaphor?
Not inherently, but it can be used metaphorically in literature or conversations.
What part of speech is Obey?
Primarily a verb, but can also be a noun in certain contexts.
What is the second form of Obey?
Obeyed.
What is the third form of Obey?
Obeyed.
What is a stressed syllable in Obey?
The second syllable, "bey."
What is the opposite of Obey?
Disobey or defy.
How is Obey used in a sentence?
"All students must obey school rules."
Is Obey a vowel or consonant?
"Obey" is a word, not a single letter.
Is Obey a collective noun?
No.
Which determiner is used with Obey?
Determiners like "the" or "an" can be used, depending on context.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
