Adherence: meaning, definitions and examples

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adherence

 

[ ədˈhɪərəns ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical

The act of sticking to something, whether it's a medication regimen or a set of beliefs.

Synonyms

compliance, faithfulness, loyalty.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
adherence

Used when talking about strictly following rules, guidelines, or protocols, often in formal or professional settings.

  • Adherence to the company's policies is mandatory for all employees
  • The project's success relies on the strict adherence to safety regulations
compliance

Applied specifically in contexts where following laws, regulations, or standards is necessary. Common in legal, medical, and corporate settings.

  • The factory must ensure compliance with environmental laws
  • Compliance with the new health guidelines is essential to prevent the spread of disease
loyalty

Refers to a strong feeling of support or allegiance, often used in contexts involving personal relationships, brand allegiance, or dedication to a group or cause.

  • Loyalty to one's family is highly valued in many cultures
  • Customer loyalty is crucial for the success of a business
faithfulness

Typically used to describe the quality of being true and constant in personal relationships, such as romantic or friendship contexts.

  • Her faithfulness to her partner was unquestionable
  • Faithfulness in a friendship can withstand both good and bad times

Examples of usage

  • His adherence to the treatment plan resulted in a successful recovery.
  • The patient's adherence to the prescribed diet was crucial for managing the condition.
Context #2 | Noun

general

The quality or state of being devoted or loyal to a cause, idea, or organization.

Synonyms

dedication, devotion, loyalty.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
adherence

Used to describe the act of following something strictly, such as rules, principles, or diets.

  • His strict adherence to the diet helped him lose weight
  • The company expects full adherence to its policies
devotion

Indicates a deep and often affectionate commitment to a person, cause, or activity. It has an emotional nuance.

  • His devotion to his family is truly inspiring
  • She showed great devotion to her students
dedication

Typically refers to being committed to a cause, task, or purpose, often requiring hard work and persistence.

  • Her dedication to her job earned her a promotion
  • It takes a lot of dedication to train for a marathon
loyalty

Describes a strong feeling of support or allegiance, often used in relationships, employment contexts, and brand affinity.

  • His loyalty to the company was unquestionable
  • The dog’s loyalty to its owner was heartwarming

Examples of usage

  • Her adherence to the company's mission statement was unwavering.
  • Political adherence to a particular party can influence one's voting behavior.

Translations

Translations of the word "adherence" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aderência

🇮🇳 पालन

🇩🇪 Einhaltung

🇮🇩 kepatuhan

🇺🇦 дотримання

🇵🇱 przestrzeganie

🇯🇵 順守 (じゅんしゅ)

🇫🇷 adhérence

🇪🇸 adhesión

🇹🇷 uyma

🇰🇷 준수 (준수)

🇸🇦 التزام

🇨🇿 dodržování

🇸🇰 dodržiavanie

🇨🇳 遵守 (zūnshǒu)

🇸🇮 upoštevanje

🇮🇸 fylgni

🇰🇿 сақтау

🇬🇪 დაცვა

🇦🇿 riayət

🇲🇽 adhesión

Etymology

The word 'adherence' originates from the Latin word 'adhaerentia', which means 'sticking to'. The term has been used in various contexts throughout history, emphasizing the importance of sticking to principles, beliefs, or routines. In modern usage, 'adherence' is commonly associated with medical treatment compliance and loyalty to organizations or causes.

See also: adherable, adhere, adhered, adherent, adherents, adhering, adhesion, adhesive.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,060 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.