Word
adherence
Phoneticsad·her·ence, stress on the second syllable
US/ədˈhɪɹəns/
UK/ɐdhˈiəɹəns/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the act of sticking to a rule, plan, or belief. You use this word when someone follows instructions or stays loyal to a cause.
n. the action of sticking to a rule, plan, or belief; compliance with a standard or loyalty to a cause.
Examples
“Her strict adherence to the diet helped her lose weight.”
“The doctor praised the patient's adherence to the daily medication schedule.”
“Success in the project depended less on technical skill and more on the team's unwavering adherence to the agreed timeline.”
Examples
simple
“Her strict adherence to the diet helped her lose weight.”
contextual
“The doctor praised the patient's adherence to the daily medication schedule.”
complex
“Success in the project depended less on technical skill and more on the team's unwavering adherence to the agreed timeline.”
Usage
Typically followed by the preposition 'to'.
Real-World Examples
“Previous research has found that stronger adherence to LS7 is associated with better cognitive performance, healthier brains, and a lower risk of dementia.” “Also, given the apparent lack of adherence to some current rules, a call for tightened guidance could appear appropriate.” Etymology
From Middle French adhérence, from Latin adhærentia.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/adherence