WordValeadhere
to stick firmly; to follow closely
In more detail
1. (verb) to stick firmly to a surface or substance
2. (verb) to support or follow a rule, belief, or person consistently
Examples
- 1. The label will adhere to the jar if you press it down.
- 2. The company adheres to strict environmental standards.
How to use adhere
Adhere has two main senses: physical (something sticking to a surface, often used in technical or formal contexts) and abstract (following a rule, belief, or person with consistency). The second sense is more common in professional and academic writing. It typically suggests strong commitment or strict observance rather than casual agreement.
Common phrases
- adhere to a standard
- adhere to a principle
- adhere firmly
- adhere to the rules
- strictly adhere
Synonyms
stick · cling · attach · follow · comply
Opposites
detach · separate · abandon
Word family
adherent · adherence · adhesive · adhesion
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 'adhere to' with 'adhere with'; the correct preposition is always 'to'.
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