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Adherents Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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adherents

[ษ™dหˆhษชษ™rษ™nts ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

group of people

Adherents are people who support a particular idea or person, often a religious or political leader.

Synonyms

believers, followers, supporters.

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Word Description / Examples
adherents

This word is often used in formal or academic contexts to describe people who strictly follow a particular leader, religion, or doctrine.

  • The adherents of the new policy were primarily from the younger generation
  • The cult had a small number of dedicated adherents
supporters

This term is widely used to describe people who support or back a particular person, cause, or organization. It is less formal and can be used in many everyday contexts.

  • The charity event was attended by numerous supporters
  • He relied heavily on his supporters during the campaign
followers

This word is typically used to describe people who support and follow the actions and teachings of a particular person, organization, or trend. It can also be used for social media context.

  • The influencer has millions of followers on Instagram
  • Followers of the political leader often meet to discuss his next moves
believers

This word is commonly used to describe people who have faith in a particular religion or ideology. It can also be used more generally for people who believe strongly in something.

  • She is a true believer in the power of positive thinking
  • Believers gathered in the church to celebrate their faith

Examples of usage

  • The political party gained more adherents after the candidate's inspiring speech.
  • The religious leader had many loyal adherents who followed his teachings.
  • The group of adherents was growing steadily as more people joined the cause.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Religious Context

  • Many major religions, like Christianity and Islam, have adherents who practice and follow their teachings.
  • The term can also refer to sects or movements within larger religions, highlighting the diversity of beliefs.

Political Movements

  • Political ideologies often have adherents who passionately support specific parties or policies.
  • The number of adherents can influence the outcome of elections and the direction of policy-making.

Cultural Significance

  • Adherents play a vital role in social movements, helping to shape public opinion and drive change.
  • Cultural phenomena, like certain music genres or lifestyle choices, can attract devoted adherents who promote them in various ways.

Psychological Insight

  • The adherence to beliefs can provide a sense of identity and community among followers, fostering social bonds.
  • Psychologists study the reasons behind why individuals become adherents, such as a desire for belonging, security, or purpose.

Origin of 'adherents'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'adherens', meaning 'sticking to' or 'attached'.
  • It has evolved through Old French, where it meant 'to stick closely', before becoming part of English in the late 16th century.

The word 'adherents' originated from the Latin word 'adhaerentem', which means 'to stick to' or 'to support'. Over time, the term evolved to refer to individuals who are loyal supporters of a particular cause, idea, or person. Adherents play an important role in various aspects of society, including politics, religion, and social movements.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,763, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.