に即して|にそくして

1. 1In conformity with a rule, law, or established standard.Ex. 1
2. 2In line with actual facts, conditions, or circumstances, fitting the reality of a situation.Ex. 2

A formal, written-style expression common in official documents, reports, legal and administrative texts, and serious discussion. The 即 spelling is typically paired with nouns expressing actual conditions, such as 現実, 実態, 状況 and 事実. It stresses fitting the action closely to that reference point rather than merely using it as a basis.

• 1.
  〜に則してN1「に則して」is read the same way (そくして) and attaches only to norms such as laws, rules, and conventions; it matches the second sense of 「に即して」, and in that sense the two are interchangeable. When fitting facts, reality, or someone's actual situation, 「に則して」cannot be used.
• 2.
  に則ってN1「に則って」only means following standards such as laws, rules, traditions, and conventions, and in this sense it is interchangeable with 「に即して」. However, it cannot take 「現実」or 「実態」, so it cannot express 'fitting the actual situation'.
• 3.
  に基づいてN2「に基づいて」emphasizes basing something on data, laws and regulations, etc., and is generally used for 'according to materials or data'. When following laws and regulations it is close to 「に即して」and mostly interchangeable. The preceding item should not be a person; to modify a noun, use 「に基づく」or 「に基づいた」.
• 4.
  に照らしてN1「に照らして」uses laws, experience, common sense, or facts as a standard to measure against, and the following clause is usually a judgment, evaluation, or punishment. When attached to laws it is similar in meaning to 「に即して」, but it does not express acting in line with a person or the actual situation.
• 5.
  を踏まえてN1「を踏まえて」takes facts, trends, or existing achievements as premises to consider before making the next judgment or taking the next action, while 「に即して」emphasizes that one's approach fits and matches the actual situation or the standards. When following laws and regulations, 「を踏まえて」is not used.
• 6.
  に従ってN3「に従って」is stylistically neutral, can attach to the dictionary form of verbs, and also has the meaning of 'changing gradually as...'. Only its sense of 'following rules' is close; 「に従って」carries a nuance of obedience and can take instructions, orders, or others' opinions, but it does not express fitting the actual situation.

〜に則して (same reading) and に則って favor rules, norms, and precedents as a model to follow, whereas に即して typically centers on actual facts and circumstances. に基づいて marks a basis or source, に照らして means judging against a standard, を踏まえて means taking a premise into account, and に従って means obeying or following, or 'as X changes'.