WordValestick to
to continue with; to adhere to
In more detail
1. (verb) to stay attached or fixed to something
2. (verb) to continue doing or supporting something without changing
3. (verb) to keep a promise or agreement
Examples
- 1. The label will stick to the jar if you press it firmly.
- 2. She sticks to her daily exercise routine no matter what.
- 3. You promised to help, so please stick to your word.
How to use stick to
Stick to is a phrasal verb used in three main contexts: physical adherence (the label sticks to the bottle), commitment or loyalty (stick to your principles), and honoring agreements (stick to the deadline). It is more informal and versatile than synonyms like adhere to or comply with, making it common in everyday speech and writing. The physical sense has largely given way to stative use with abstract nouns.
Common phrases
- stick to your guns
- stick to the facts
- stick to a diet
- stick to your word
- stick to the plan
- stick to the rules
Synonyms
adhere to · remain committed to · persist with · keep to · maintain
Opposites
abandon · drop · forsake
Word family
stuck · sticking
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse stick to with stick with; while stick with emphasizes remaining loyal despite difficulty, stick to emphasizes maintaining or adhering to something specific without deviation.
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