跟随 (gēnsuí) means 'to follow' in a sustained, often figurative sense — like following a path, trend, or someone's lead. It is more formal and implies long-term or abstract accompaniment, compared to 随 (suí), which is more general and can mean 'to comply with' or 'to vary according to'. Unlike 跟踪 (gēnzōng, to tail) or 追随 (zhuīsuí, to follow as a disciple), 跟随 emphasizes steady adherence or accompaniment.