conform

/kənˈfɔːrm/

Say it: kun-FORM

1. verb To comply with rules, standards, or established practices.
All new buildings are required to conform to the city's safety codes.
2. verb To behave in a way that is socially acceptable or similar to others.
She felt a lot of pressure to conform to the expectations of her peer group in high school.
3. verb To be of the same or a similar form, shape, or character; to correspond.
The results of the second experiment did not conform to the first.

📖 Seen in the wild

Students are expected to conform to the school's dress code.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ conform in a sentence

The company was cited for failing to conform to environmental regulations.
He refused to conform, choosing instead to pursue his own unique artistic style.
Please make sure your expense report conforms to the company's official template.
In a society that values individuality, the pressure to conform can still be surprisingly strong.
The product was recalled because its design did not conform with federal safety standards.
His testimony did not conform to the known facts of the case.
Many teenagers struggle with the desire to conform while also wanting to stand out.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

comply obey follow adapt adjust adhere agree match

comply · suggests yielding to a specific rule, request, or command.

obey · implies submitting to the will or command of an authority.

follow · means to adhere to a set path, example, or instruction.

adapt · focuses on changing oneself to fit new circumstances or environments.

Opposites: rebel, dissent, deviate, resist, differ

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'conform' traces back to the Latin 'conformare', which means 'to form' or 'to fashion'. It's a combination of 'con-', meaning 'together', and 'formare', 'to form'. It entered English through Old French, carrying the idea of shaping something to be in agreement with something else.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

conform to standardsconform to expectationsconform to the rulespressure to conformfail to conformrefuse to conform

The word 'conform' is almost always followed by the preposition 'to' (or sometimes 'with'). In technical, legal, or business contexts, it is a neutral term for meeting a required standard. In social contexts, however, it can carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a weak or unthinking acceptance of group norms at the expense of one's individuality.

Word family: conformity, conformist, conformance, nonconformist, nonconformity

💬 Quick answers

What does it mean to conform?

To conform means to follow a set of rules, standards, or social expectations. It's about fitting in, complying with a pattern, or matching a required form.

What is the difference between 'conform' and 'comply'?

'Conform' often implies matching a shape, standard, or social norm, while 'comply' usually means following a specific order or request. You conform to a pattern, but you comply with a command.

Is 'conform' a negative word?

It depends on the context. In legal or technical settings, it's neutral. In social contexts, it can carry a negative connotation of sacrificing individuality to fit in with a group.

What preposition is used with conform?

The word 'conform' is almost always followed by the preposition 'to' or, less commonly, 'with'. For example, you 'conform to the rules'.

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