verb

conform

/kənˈfɔːrm/ · say it: kuhn·FORM

to comply with rules or standards

In Formal & Academic

to behave according to accepted standards

In Actions & Behavior

In more detail

1. (verb) to behave according to rules, standards, or expectations

2. (verb) to be the same as or match something else in shape or nature

Examples

1. Students must conform to the school's dress code.
2. The new design conforms to international safety standards.

How to use conform

Conform has two main uses: socially/behaviorally (following rules or expectations, often implying loss of individuality) and structurally/logically (matching or fitting with something). The first sense often carries a subtle judgment about surrendering one's own preferences. It is common in formal and academic contexts, particularly in discussions of law, standards, and social behavior.

Common phrases

conform to standards
conform to expectations
conform to regulations
conform to norms
pressure to conform

Synonyms

comply · adhere · obey · align with · match

Opposites

deviate · rebel · diverge

Word family

conformity · conformist · nonconformist · conformation · conformable

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse conform with confirm; conform means to comply or match, while confirm means to verify or establish as true.

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