Meaning of the Word
Conform means to comply with or act in accordance with rules, standards, or laws. It can also refer to adapting one’s behavior, attitudes, or beliefs to fit those of a group or societal expectations.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- To act in accordance with accepted standards, rules, or laws.
- To be in harmony or agreement with something, such as a set of norms or practices.
- To adapt or adjust one’s actions or beliefs to match the expectations or conventions of a group or society.
- To fit into a predefined structure or form, often relating to behavior or appearance.
- To comply with regulations, guidelines, or specifications.
History and Origin
The word “conform” comes from the Latin word “conformare,” which means “to shape or fashion together.” It was first used in English in the late 14th century, originally referring to the idea of conforming in shape or structure. Over time, its meaning expanded to include compliance with social, moral, or legal standards. The term has become integral to discussions of social behavior, particularly in terms of conforming to societal expectations or group norms.
Detailed Explanation
Conform is often used to describe the process of adjusting one’s actions, behaviors, or beliefs in order to align with established norms, rules, or expectations. This can happen in both formal and informal contexts, such as adhering to workplace policies, following social etiquette, or adopting the values of a particular culture or group.
In many cases, conformity involves fitting in with others, whether by following laws and regulations or by adopting societal norms in behavior and appearance. Conforming can sometimes be seen as a way to maintain social order, but it may also be criticized when it leads to the suppression of individuality or personal freedom.
For example, in a workplace, an employee may conform to company standards by following dress codes or meeting performance expectations. Socially, conforming could mean adjusting one’s opinions to align with those of the majority.
Example Sentences
- He was expected to conform to the company’s dress code.
- The school requires students to conform to its behavioral policies.
- She didn’t want to conform to traditional gender roles.
- The new law mandates that businesses conform with environmental regulations.
- Some teenagers resist the pressure to conform to societal expectations.
- It’s difficult to conform to everyone’s expectations, but she tries.
- The building’s design was made to conform to local architectural guidelines.
- In an effort to conform to group norms, he started adopting their habits.
- The artist chose not to conform to conventional painting techniques.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Comply: To act in accordance with a rule, law, or request.
- Adhere: To stick firmly to a set of guidelines, standards, or beliefs.
- Conform to: To act according to or match the expectations or rules of a group.
- Abide: To accept or act in accordance with rules, laws, or agreements.
- Follow: To act in the way that is suggested, guided, or required by others.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Conformity: The state of being in alignment with rules or norms.
- Standardization: The process of making things uniform or consistent with established rules.
- Compliance: The act of conforming to rules, regulations, or laws.
- Socialization: The process by which individuals adapt their behavior to fit societal norms.
- Regulation: A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority to ensure conformity.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Accord: Agreement or harmony, often used in the context of actions that conform to a standard.
- Unification: The process of making different things consistent or conforming them to a single standard.
- Assimilation: The process of adapting to and conforming with the cultural norms of a group.
- Adaptation: Changing behavior or processes to align with a new set of standards or circumstances.
- Subordination: The act of bringing something under control or conformity to authority.
Antonyms
- Rebel: To resist or defy established norms, rules, or authorities.
- Deviate: To depart from established norms or standards.
- Disobey: To refuse to comply with laws, regulations, or rules.
- Resist: To oppose or stand against something, often societal expectations or authority.
- Nonconformist: A person who does not conform to prevailing rules, customs, or norms.
