ENGLISH
REFERENCE

adhering

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ədˈhɪɹɪŋ// UK //ædhˈiəɹɪŋ// ad·her·ing

adj. sticking firmly to a surface or following a set of rules very closely.

adj. firmly attached to a surface or strictly observant of a particular set of rules or standards. Often used as a participial adjective to describe physical attachment or metaphorical compliance.


SIMPLE

The label is still adhering to the bottle.

CONTEXTUAL

By strictly adhering to the safety protocols, the team managed to complete the project without a single accident.

COMPLEX

The success of the medical trial depended on participants adhering to the strict dietary restrictions outlined in the initial briefing.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English adherynge, adherande, present participle of Middle English adheren, from Old French *adherer, aderer and Medieval Latin adhaereō (“adhere”, verb), equivalent to adhere + -ing.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'to'. When used figuratively, it implies a high degree of loyalty or obedience to a principle.

Pitfall

adhering at the rulesadhering to the rulesThe word requires the preposition 'to' when describing compliance or attachment.

© 2026 English Reference