conform
/kənˈfɔːm/- 1.
To behave in the way that most people in a group behave. It means fitting in with social rules, expectations, or cultural norms.
- She felt pressure to conform to her classmates' opinions.
- He found it hard to conform in a new country.
- Not everyone wants to conform to traditional gender roles.
- 2.
To match or meet a required rule, standard, or specification. Used especially in formal, legal, or technical contexts.
- All electrical goods must conform to safety standards.
- The building must conform to local fire regulations.
- This report does not conform to the required format.
Adinary Nuance
Conform, comply, adhere, and follow are close neighbors, but each fits a different situation. Conform suggests fitting into a pattern — especially social, cultural, or design-related — and often carries a slight sense of social pressure ("conform to norms"). Comply is more transactional: you comply with a specific rule or request from an authority, and it sounds more official and external ("comply with the law"). Adhere is the most formal of the group — it belongs in academic or professional writing and feels more principled ("adhere to ethical guidelines"). Follow is the most neutral and everyday word; a learner who says "follow the rules" in casual speech sounds natural, but "conform to the regulations" is the stronger choice in IELTS or business writing.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- tuân theo
- Spanish
- ajustarse
- Chinese
- 遵从
- Japanese
- 従う
- Korean
- 순응하다
Etymology
From Latin "conformare," meaning "to shape or fashion," via Old French "conformer." It entered English in the late 14th century, first used in religious contexts to mean bringing one's beliefs into agreement with an accepted doctrine.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between 'conform' and 'comply'?
- 'Conform' means fitting into a pattern or matching a standard, often a social or design one. 'Comply' means following a specific instruction or rule from an authority. You conform to norms, but comply with orders or laws.
- Is 'conform' formal or informal?
- 'Conform' is neutral to slightly formal. It is common in IELTS essays, academic writing, and professional reports. In casual speech, most people prefer 'fit in' when talking about social behavior.
- Can 'conform' carry a negative meaning?
- Yes, especially in social contexts. When someone 'conforms' to group pressure, it can suggest they are giving up their own identity or independent thinking. Whether it sounds positive or negative depends on the context.
- Should I write 'conform to' or 'conform with'?
- Both are correct. 'Conform to' is more common globally, including in IELTS and academic writing. 'Conform with' is also acceptable, especially in British English, when referring to rules or specifications.