Conform: meaning, definitions and examples

🔄
Add to dictionary

conform

 

[ kənˈfɔːm ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in society

Comply with rules, standards, or laws. Behave according to socially accepted norms.

Synonyms

abide, adhere, comply, obey.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
conform

Used when someone behaves according to socially accepted standards or rules.

  • She tried to conform to the expectations of her new workplace.
  • The building designs must conform to local regulations.
comply

Used when someone acts in accordance with a request, command, or set of rules, often implying an external requirement.

  • All companies must comply with safety regulations.
  • He complied with the request to leave the premises.
obey

Used when someone follows commands or instructions, often emphasizing authority and sometimes carrying a submissive or negative connotation.

  • Children are taught to obey their parents.
  • The dog learned to obey simple commands.
adhere

Used when someone sticks to a rule, policy, or plan closely and consistently.

  • You should adhere to the recipe for the best results.
  • The followers adhere to the teachings of their leader.
abide

Used when someone accepts or acts in accordance with rules, decisions, or recommendations, often with a sense of obedience.

  • Citizens are expected to abide by the law.
  • I can't abide by his decision.

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.
Context #2 | Verb

in science

Correspond or match in form, character, or function.

Synonyms

agree, correspond, match.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
conform

Use 'conform' when referring to adhering to rules, standards, or norms. It often implies compliance with societal or regulatory expectations.

  • Students are expected to conform to the school's dress code
  • All products must conform to safety standards
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.

  • Her shoes match her dress perfectly
  • The fingerprints did not match those found at the scene
correspond

Use 'correspond' when indicating a direct relationship or equivalence between two things or ideas. It is often used in formal or technical contexts.

  • The results correspond to our initial expectations
  • Each number corresponds to a different category
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.

  • I agree with your point of view
  • They agreed to meet at 6 p
  • m

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

Translations of the word "conform" in other languages:

🇵🇹 conformar

🇮🇳 अनुरूप होना

🇩🇪 anpassen

🇮🇩 menyesuaikan

🇺🇦 відповідати

🇵🇱 dostosować się

🇯🇵 従う (したがう)

🇫🇷 se conformer

🇪🇸 conformarse

🇹🇷 uyum sağlamak

🇰🇷 따르다 (ttaruda)

🇸🇦 يتوافق مع

🇨🇿 přizpůsobit se

🇸🇰 prispôsobiť sa

🇨🇳 符合 (fúhé)

🇸🇮 prilagoditi se

🇮🇸 aðlaga sig

🇰🇿 сәйкес келу

🇬🇪 შესაბამისობა

🇦🇿 uyğunlaşmaq

🇲🇽 conformarse

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,843, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.