Conform Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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conform
[kənˈfɔːm ]
Definitions
in society
Comply with rules, standards, or laws. Behave according to socially accepted norms.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| conform |
Used when someone behaves according to socially accepted standards or rules.
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| comply |
Used when someone acts in accordance with a request, command, or set of rules, often implying an external requirement.
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| obey |
Used when someone follows commands or instructions, often emphasizing authority and sometimes carrying a submissive or negative connotation.
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| adhere |
Used when someone sticks to a rule, policy, or plan closely and consistently.
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| abide |
Used when someone accepts or acts in accordance with rules, decisions, or recommendations, often with a sense of obedience.
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Examples of usage
- He refused to conform to the traditional expectations of his family.
- She found it hard to conform to the strict dress code at work.
in science
Correspond or match in form, character, or function.
Synonyms
agree, correspond, match.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| conform |
Use 'conform' when referring to adhering to rules, standards, or norms. It often implies compliance with societal or regulatory expectations.
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| match |
Use 'match' when expressing that two or more items, colors, or entities are equal, identical, or go well together. It is often used in shopping, fashion, and design contexts.
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| correspond |
Use 'correspond' when indicating a direct relationship or equivalence between two things or ideas. It is often used in formal or technical contexts.
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| agree |
Use 'agree' in situations where people share the same opinion or come to a mutual understanding. It is commonly used in discussions, meetings, and everyday conversations.
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Examples of usage
- The results must conform to the theory proposed by the scientist.
- The new evidence did not conform with the previous findings.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Psychologists study conformity to understand why people change their behavior in social situations.
- The famous Asch experiment in the 1950s demonstrated how individuals will often conform to group opinions even when they are wrong.
- There are two types of conformity: informational (when we believe others are correct) and normative (when we want to fit in).
Social Behavior
- Conformity can lead to group cohesion but might suppress individuality and creativity.
- In some cultures, conformity is emphasized more than in others, influencing social expectations.
- Public places, like schools and workplaces, often have implicit norms that encourage conformity.
Pop Culture
- Many movies, like 'Dead Poets Society', explore themes of conformity and the struggle for individualism.
- Fashion trends often reflect conformity as people adopt similar styles to fit in with social groups.
- 'The Hunger Games' depicts a society where conformity is enforced, showcasing the consequences of losing individuality.
Literature
- Classic literature often critiques conformity, like in '1984' where personal freedom is sacrificed for societal norms.
- In 'Fahrenheit 451', characters confront the dangers of a conformist society that suppresses intellectual freedom.
- Poets like Walt Whitman celebrated individuality, contrasting with the pressure of conforming to societal expectations.
Origin of 'conform'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'conform' comes from the Latin 'conformare', meaning 'to form together'.
- It hints at the idea of forming a common shape or pattern alongside others.
- The term gained popularity in Middle English, reflecting societal pressures to fit in.
The word 'conform' originated from the Latin word 'conformare', meaning 'to shape or mold'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century with the sense of 'to make like' or 'to agree'. Over time, 'conform' has evolved to encompass the ideas of compliance with rules or standards, as well as correspondence in form or function.
See also: amorphic, deform, deformed, form, formal, formality, formally, formation, formative, formatter, formed, former, formerly, formic, forming, formless, forms, malform, malformation, multiformity, preformative, reform, unformed.