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Adherent: meaning, definitions and examples

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adherent

 

[ədˈhɪərənt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

loyalty

A person who supports a particular party, person, or set of ideas.

Synonyms

advocate, follower, supporter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
adherent

Used to describe someone who strongly supports or stays loyal to a particular cause, belief, or person, often in an intense or unwavering manner.

  • She is an adherent of the environmental movement, often participating in protests and campaigns.
  • As an adherent to traditional values, he rarely embraces modern trends.
supporter

Denotes a person who endorses or backs a person, cause, or organization, often through active participation, donations, or vocal approval.

  • He is a long-time supporter of the local football team, attending every match.
  • The senator's supporters gathered to hear her speak about her plans for the future.
follower

Typically used to describe someone who supports or admires a person, group, or ideology, often in a more passive way than an 'adherent'. This word can sometimes carry a connotation of lacking individuality.

  • He is a follower of the latest fashion trends and frequently updates his wardrobe.
  • She has thousands of followers on social media who keep up with her daily updates.
advocate

Usually refers to someone who actively speaks or writes in favor of a cause or policy, often in public or official contexts.

  • He is an advocate for human rights and frequently publishes articles to promote equality.
  • She works as a legal advocate, helping clients to navigate the complexities of the law.

Examples of usage

  • He was a strong adherent of the Communist Party.
  • She has always been an adherent of environmental causes.
Context #2 | Noun

religion

A person who follows or upholds a particular belief, principle, or doctrine.

Synonyms

believer, devotee, disciple.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
adherent

Use 'adherent' when referring to someone who supports a particular idea, cause, or leader, often in a formal or professional context.

  • He is a strong adherent of environmental policies
  • The adherents of the new policy were very vocal at the meeting
believer

Use 'believer' to describe someone who is convinced of the truthfulness or value of a particular idea, religion, or philosophy. This term is more general and less formal than 'adherent'.

  • She is a firm believer in karma
  • As a believer in freedom of speech, he often speaks out against censorship
devotee

Use 'devotee' to refer to someone who is extremely enthusiastic or passionate about a particular activity, cause, or person, often in a spiritual or religious context.

  • She is a devotee of classical music
  • As a devotee of yoga, he practices it every morning
disciple

Use 'disciple' when referring to a follower who actively learns from and spreads the teachings of a specific leader, often in a religious or philosophical context.

  • The disciples of the guru gathered every week for teachings
  • Jesus' disciples spread his teachings across the world

Examples of usage

  • She is a devout adherent of the Catholic faith.
  • The new church attracted many adherents due to its inclusive beliefs.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'adherentem,' meaning 'sticking to' or 'following closely.'
  • It combines the prefix ‘ad-’ meaning 'to' and ‘haerere’ meaning 'stick or cling.'
  • In English, it has been in use since the 14th century, originally referring to a person who is a follower or supporter.

Culture

  • In religious contexts, adherents are followers of a faith; for example, adherents of Buddhism practice its teachings actively.
  • Political movements often have adherents who strongly support their ideologies, participating in rallies and debates.
  • Sports teams have dedicated adherents who not only attend games but often express their loyalty through merchandise and social media.

Psychology

  • Adherence to beliefs can greatly influence a person's identity and behavior, often providing a sense of community and belonging.
  • Studies show that individuals with strong adherent behaviors usually exhibit higher levels of commitment and motivation toward their goals.
  • The concept of cognitive dissonance explains why some choose to adhere strictly to beliefs even when faced with contrasting evidence.

Education

  • In classrooms, teachers encourage students to be adherents to the learning process, creating a supportive and engaging atmosphere.
  • Learning theories emphasize that adherent learners often engage more deeply with material, improving retention and understanding.
  • Educational initiatives often rely on adherents who promote specific curricula, like the importance of STEM education.

Literature

  • Character traits of adherents are often explored in novels, showcasing their loyalty and ethical dilemmas based on belief systems.
  • Literary analysis often identifies how authors use adherent characters to challenge societal norms or highlight conflicts.
  • 'The Adherent' could be a gripping title for a novel about someone who struggles with the consequences of their steadfast beliefs.

Translations

Translations of the word "adherent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aderente

🇮🇳 अनुयायी

🇩🇪 Anhänger

🇮🇩 pengikut

🇺🇦 послідовник

🇵🇱 zwolennik

🇯🇵 信奉者 (しんぽうしゃ)

🇫🇷 adhérent

🇪🇸 adherente

🇹🇷 yandaş

🇰🇷 추종자

🇸🇦 تابع

🇨🇿 přívrženec

🇸🇰 prívrženec

🇨🇳 追随者 (zhuīsuízhě)

🇸🇮 privrženec

🇮🇸 fylgjandi

🇰🇿 жақтаушы

🇬🇪 მიმდევარი

🇦🇿 tərəfdar

🇲🇽 adherente

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,107, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.