What does "adhere" mean?

1. (to stick to a surface) to stick firmly to something. 2. (to follow rules or beliefs) to continue to obey a rule or maintain a belief.

How do you use "adhere"?

Usually takes the preposition 'to'. Always used with the preposition 'to' followed by a noun phrase.

adhere

US //ədˈhɪɹ// UK //ɐdhˈiə// ad·here

1 to stick to a surface (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal Technical

to stick firmly to something.

to stick fast to a surface or substance through physical attraction, suction, or glue. Intransitive; almost always used with the preposition 'to'.

Example

The bandage will not adhere to your skin if it is wet.

Example

The specialized industrial coating is designed to adhere to metallic surfaces even under extreme thermal stress.

Usage

Usually takes the preposition 'to'.
- detach
- separate
2 to follow rules or beliefs (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal Academic

to continue to obey a rule or maintain a belief.

to behave according to a particular rule, belief, or agreement. Intransitive; requires 'to' before the object.

Example

All staff members must adhere to the company's safety policy.

Example

The research team failed to strictly adhere to the established ethical guidelines, leading to the eventual dismissal of their findings.

Usage

Always used with the preposition 'to' followed by a noun phrase.

Teacher's tip

This is a high-frequency word in academic and legal contexts; students should use it instead of 'follow' to sound more professional.
- disregard
- flout
- abandon

Origin

From Middle English *adheren (suggested by Middle English adherande (“adhering, adherent”, present participle)), from Latin adhaerēre, adhaesum: ad (“to”) + haerēre (“to stick”). Compare French adhérer.