Adhere to Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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adhere to

[ədˈhɪə(r) tuː ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

follow closely

To adhere to something means to follow it closely or stick to it. It can also mean to believe in and act according to a belief or principle.

Synonyms

abide by, comply with, follow, stick to.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
adhere to	This phrase is often used in formal or professional settings to describe strictly following laws, rules, or guidelines. Employees must adhere to the company's code of conduct Students are expected to adhere to the university's regulations
follow	This is a more general and versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate imitating or obeying rules, guidelines, or instructions. You should always follow the doctor's advice The students follow the teacher's instructions carefully
abide by	This phrase is used to emphasize submission to laws, rules, or guidelines. It can also sound formal and authoritative. All participants must abide by the contest rules We need to ensure that everyone abides by the new policy
comply with	This phrase is used in legal, corporate, or regulatory contexts, often to indicate meeting requirements or standards. Businesses must comply with health and safety regulations It is essential for contractors to comply with building codes
stick to	This phrase is less formal and often used in everyday conversation to indicate continuing with a plan, rule, or agreement. She decided to stick to her diet plan despite the temptations We should stick to our meeting schedule

Examples of usage

He always adheres to the rules of the game.
She adheres to a strict diet.
We must adhere to our values even in difficult times.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

stick to a surface

To adhere to something can also mean to stick to a surface, like glue.

Synonyms

bond, cling to, stick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
adhere to	Formal situations where you need to show compliance with rules, plans, or principles. Employees must adhere to the company's code of conduct The team strictly adhered to the project timeline
stick	Casual situations involving things physically attaching to each other or metaphorically remaining close to something or someone. The sticker won't stick to the wall Let's stick together during the trip
bond	Describing a strong connection or attachment, often emotional or chemical in nature. The mother and child have a special bond The glue creates a strong bond between the two pieces of wood
cling to	Situations where someone or something is holding onto something tightly, often due to fear or need for security. It can have a slightly negative connotation if it implies desperation. The child clung to his mother's side in the crowded room She clings to the hope that things will get better

Examples of usage

The label adheres firmly to the bottle.
The paint adhered well to the wall.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Adherence is crucial in behavioral psychology, where sticking to a routine is necessary for habit formation.
Studies show that people are more likely to adhere to a plan if they have social support or accountability.
Cognitive dissonance theory suggests that when individuals do not adhere to their beliefs or commitments, they may experience mental discomfort.

Education

Students are often encouraged to adhere to classroom rules to create a conducive learning environment.
In teaching, adherence to curriculum standards helps ensure all necessary topics are covered for student understanding.
Educational frameworks often focus on adherence to guidelines for effective teaching and assessment.

Legal

In legal contexts, adherence to laws and regulations is mandatory to maintain societal order.
Contracts require parties to adhere to agreed terms to ensure fairness and justice.
Judicial systems evaluate adherence to established rights and rules when making decisions.

Pop Culture

Songs and movies often depict characters who adhere to moral codes or personal beliefs as their defining traits.
In popular media, adherence to cultural traditions can highlight characters’ conflicts between changing times and their values.
Reality TV shows often capture participants' struggles to adhere to rules while navigating personal relationships.

Origin of 'adhere to'

Main points about word origin

The phrase 'adhere to' comes from the Latin word 'adhaerere,' meaning 'to stick to.'
In English, 'adhere' began being used in the 14th century, originally meaning to attach or stick.
The idea of sticking to rules or principles has evolved from this physical concept over centuries.

The word 'adhere' comes from the Latin word 'adhaerere', which means 'to stick to'. It has been used in English since the 15th century. Over time, it has evolved to encompass both the literal and figurative meanings of sticking or following closely.