ENGLISH
REFERENCE

conformity

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //kənˈfɔɹməti// UK //kənfˈɔːmɪti// con·form·ity

n. the act of following the same rules, laws, or behaviors as everyone else in a group. It often means trying to fit in rather than being different.

n. action or behavior in correspondence with socially accepted standards, conventions, or laws. Often implies a yielding to group pressure or a lack of individual distinctiveness.


SIMPLE

The school uniform encourages conformity among the students.

CONTEXTUAL

In many corporate environments, there is a strong pressure toward conformity in both dress and professional opinion.

COMPLEX

Sociologists often study the tension between individual expression and the social conformity required to maintain a stable, functioning community without constant conflict.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle French conformité.

Usage

Often takes the preposition 'to' or 'with' ('conformity to rules', 'in conformity with the law').

Pitfall

conformity for the rulesconformity to the rulesThe noun typically collocates with the preposition 'to' when describing adherence to standards.

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