Word
conform
Phoneticscon·form, stress on the second syllable
US/kənˈfɔɹm/
UK/kənfˈɔːm/
Definitions
01to follow social norms
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to behave in the same way as most other people in a group or society.
v. to behave according to socially acceptable conventions or standards. Often used intransitively.
“At that school, students are expected to conform to a strict dress code.”
“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'.
02to meet a standard or rule
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic · Formal
v. to obey a rule, law, or official requirement.
v. to comply with a specification, regulation, or legal requirement.
“The new building must conform to all safety regulations.”
“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'.
03to match in shape or nature
C1 · Advanced Academic · Formal
v. to be similar to something else in form or character.
v. to be similar in form or character; to be in agreement or harmony with a physical or abstract pattern.
“The kitchen cabinets were designed to conform to the curve of the wall.”
“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.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “conform” in context.
Verb
01. conform to
“All new buildings must conform to the latest safety regulations.”
verb + prep
Real-World Examples
“While this is not new, social media has increased pressure on young people to conform to certain bodily ideals .” “If the terms say the business can change its rules and one of those rules now covers smart glasses, you'll be required to conform.” “The curve of the L-shape conforms well to my backside, but I am a bigger guy, and it might be too gradual for smaller individuals.” Etymology
From Middle English conformen, borrowed from Middle French and Anglo-Norman conformer, from Latin conformāre (“to mould, to shape after”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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