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conform

v.
US //kənˈfɔɹm// UK //kənfˈɔːm// con·form
  1. 1 to follow social norms (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to behave in the same way as most other people in a group or society.

    to behave according to socially acceptable conventions or standards. Often used intransitively.

    Example

    At that school, students are expected to conform to a strict dress code.

    Example

    Pressure to conform to peer expectations can often lead teenagers to suppress their individual interests in favour of group harmony.

    Usage

    Usually takes the preposition 'to'.
  2. 2 to meet a standard or rule (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Formal

    to obey a rule, law, or official requirement.

    to comply with a specification, regulation, or legal requirement.

    Example

    The new building must conform to all safety regulations.

    Example

    The manufacturer ensured that every component would conform to international quality standards before the product was shipped to global markets.

    Usage

    Commonly used with 'to' or 'with'.
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  1. 3 to match in shape or nature (v.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Formal

    to be similar to something else in form or character.

    to be similar in form or character; to be in agreement or harmony with a physical or abstract pattern.

    Example

    The kitchen cabinets were designed to conform to the curve of the wall.

    Example

    The results of the second experiment did not conform to the patterns observed in the initial pilot study, suggesting a flaw in the hypothesis.

    Usage

    Often used in technical or philosophical contexts.
Origin

From Middle English conformen, borrowed from Middle French and Anglo-Norman conformer, from Latin conformāre (“to mould, to shape after”).

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