Meaning of the Word: Adhere
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Adhere (verb): To stick or attach firmly to something, either physically or metaphorically. It can also mean to follow or support a particular belief, rule, or guideline.
- Adhere (verb, intransitive): To remain loyal or faithful to something, such as a principle or plan.
History and Origin
The word adhere comes from the Latin adhaerere, meaning “to stick to” or “to cling to,” derived from ad- (meaning “to”) and haerere (meaning “to stick” or “to cling”). It was first used in English in the 15th century and has since been used both in physical and figurative senses.
Detailed Explanation
Adhere refers to the act of sticking or attaching oneself to something, either literally (as in sticking objects together) or figuratively (as in following rules or beliefs). It can be used in various contexts:
- Physical adherence: When one object sticks to another, like glue adhering to paper or dust adhering to a surface.
- Metaphorical adherence: Referring to the act of following rules, guidelines, or principles. For example, one might adhere to a diet, a code of ethics, or a set of instructions.
- Loyalty or commitment: It can also describe loyalty to a cause or a belief system, where someone adheres to a particular political ideology, religion, or philosophy.
In all uses, adhere implies a strong connection or attachment, whether it’s physical, moral, or ideological.
Example Sentences
- The stamp adhered to the envelope without any problems.
- She decided to adhere to a strict workout routine to get in shape.
- The manager asked the employees to adhere to the company’s new safety guidelines.
- The child’s sticker adhered to the wall for days before it finally fell off.
- He promised to adhere to the terms of the contract throughout the project.
- The mud adhered to my shoes, making them much heavier.
- The team will need to adhere to their game plan if they want to win the match.
- It’s important to adhere to the rules to ensure fairness for all participants.
- The paint did not adhere well to the old wood and began to peel off after a few days.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Stick: To remain attached or fastened to something, similar to adhere in a physical sense.
- Cling: To stick tightly to something, often used in both literal and figurative contexts, akin to adhere.
- Bond: To join or unite, as in sticking together, a synonym often used metaphorically.
- Follow: To act in accordance with a set of rules, instructions, or beliefs, like adhering to guidelines.
- Comply: To act in accordance with rules or regulations, similar to adhering to expectations.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Adhesive: A substance used for sticking things together, derived from the same root as adhere.
- Attachment: The act of connecting or fastening one thing to another, closely related to adhering.
- Loyalty: The quality of being faithful to a cause or person, which can involve adhering to values or beliefs.
- Commitment: A promise to follow through on an agreement or plan, much like adhering to a decision or course of action.
- Conform: To comply or adapt to a set standard or rule, similar to adhering to societal norms or expectations.
Antonyms
- Detach: To separate or unfasten something, the opposite of adhere, which means to stick or stay attached.
- Disobey: To fail to follow or comply with rules or instructions, the opposite of adhering to guidelines or laws.
- Neglect: To fail to give attention or support, the opposite of adhering to something or sticking to a plan.
- Ignore: To pay no attention to something, in contrast to adhering to a rule or principle.
- Reject: To refuse or dismiss something, opposite of adhering to a belief or agreement.