The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

conform

IPA:

Dictionary definition of conform

To comply with established rules, standards, expectations, or societal norms.
"The building was designed to conform to the local planning laws."

Detailed meaning of conform

When individuals or entities conform, they adjust their behavior, actions, or beliefs to align with the prevailing conventions or requirements of a particular context. Conforming can involve adopting certain dress codes, following specific protocols, or adhering to social customs. It is often seen as a means of fitting in or avoiding conflict, as non-conformity may lead to disapproval or ostracism in certain situations. Conforming can also be a way to maintain order and cohesion within a group or society, as it promotes a shared understanding of how things should be done or perceived.

Example sentences containing conform

1. She chose to conform to the workplace dress code.
2. Students must conform to the school's code of conduct.
3. He decided not to conform to societal pressures.
4. The team had to conform to the new regulations.
5. Employees are expected to conform to company policies.
6. It's essential to conform to safety guidelines.

History and etymology of conform

The verb 'conform' has its origins in the Latin word 'conformare,' which is a combination of 'com,' meaning 'together,' and 'formare,' meaning 'to shape' or 'to mold.' This etymology suggests the idea of shaping or molding something together, often to achieve a uniform or consistent outcome. Over time, in English, 'conform' came to mean complying with established rules, standards, expectations, or societal norms, reflecting the notion of individuals or entities shaping their behavior or appearance to align with prevailing conventions. The word's evolution from a literal sense of molding together to a more abstract sense of fitting into social or cultural norms illustrates how language adapts to express complex ideas related to conformity and societal expectations.

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Further usage examples of conform

1. They tried to make him conform to their beliefs.
2. She refused to conform to gender stereotypes.
3. Society often pressures individuals to conform.
4. The product had to conform to quality standards.
5. It's okay not to conform to traditional norms.
6. He couldn't conform to the rigid schedule.
7. The organization requires members to conform.
8. Parents sometimes expect their children to conform.
9. The team decided to conform to customer feedback.
10. She chose to conform to ethical principles.
11. The committee will conform to established procedures.
12. The company aims to conform to environmental regulations.
13. She refused to conform to peer pressure.
14. They had to conform to legal requirements.
15. He chose to conform to the societal norms and expectations.
16. The company's policies were designed to conform to industry standards.
17. She had to conform to the dress code at her new job.
18. The students were required to conform to the school's code of conduct.
19. The product was modified to conform to the new regulations.
20. He was expected to conform to the expectations of his family.
21. The plan was adapted to conform to the budget constraints.
22. The design was altered to conform to the customer's specifications.
23. She felt pressure to conform to the dominant culture.
24. The proposal was changed to conform to the committee's guidelines.
25. The company's policies were reviewed to conform to the new laws.