conform
- 01 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.
Simple“At that school, students are expected to conform to a strict dress code.”
In context“Pressure to conform to peer expectations can often lead teenagers to suppress their individual interests in favour of group harmony.”
UsageUsually takes the preposition 'to'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
to obey a rule, law, or official requirement.
to comply with a specification, regulation, or legal requirement.
Simple“The new building must conform to all safety regulations.”
In context“The manufacturer ensured that every component would conform to international quality standards before the product was shipped to global markets.”
UsageCommonly used with 'to' or 'with'.
- 03 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The kitchen cabinets were designed to conform to the curve of the wall.”
In context“The results of the second experiment did not conform to the patterns observed in the initial pilot study, suggesting a flaw in the hypothesis.”
UsageOften used in technical or philosophical contexts.
Synonyms
Usage conform to
“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.”
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.