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Is there a word that means "the state of obeying a rule".
I'm thinking since it can be said that something 'adheres' to a rule that 'adherent' would fit the bill, but somehow it doesn't sound quite right.
For example "It adheres to the rule." -> "It is adherent." or "Does it adhere to the rule." -> "Yes, it is adherent."
Is is correct or acceptable to use the word 'adherent' in such a manner?
Compliance --> compliant
We need to comply. This setting is in compliance with rules and regulations.
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We were following the rules. We were obedient. Obeying the law can get you in trouble, not obeying also.
Looking up obey in the thesaurus http://thesaurus.com/browse/obey the following came to mind.
Adherance to rules is good and necessary in order to be in adherence with the rules.
rule-bound, rule bound
Coker, Business owner's response caller.com Jan. 8, 2013
Some of us are rule bound. We obey the social exchange rules diligently and we expect all others to do likewise. Rule bound people believe, rightfully, that we can't have successful interaction in relationships that are mutually beneficial to both parties if one party violates the social exchange rules.
Sobel, Taking Chances 1994, p.121
The rule-bound person could have better options amongst which to choose in his choice situations.
Rule-bound, though correct, is now also used in a negative sense of being overly tied down by rules. Compliant on the other hand is too mild.
How about the word "obedient", for without a preexisting rule, there would be nothing to obey.
