Meaning
- Verb (intransitive): to stick firmly to a surface or substance.
- Verb (intransitive, figurative): to follow faithfully or remain devoted to rules, beliefs, or principles.
Grammar and Usage
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Part of speech: verb (intransitive).
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Often followed by to:
- adhere to sth = to remain attached or devoted.
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Literal use: “The label will not adhere to the bottle.”
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Figurative use: “All staff must adhere to the company’s policies.”
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More formal than stick to.
Patterns
- adhere to + rule/principle/policy
- adhere to + surface
- Cannot take a direct object without “to.”
Common Phrases
- adhere to the rules
- adhere to safety standards
- adhere strictly to guidelines
- adhere to the law
- adhere to a belief/faith
Collocations
- Adverbs: strictly, closely, firmly, strongly, fully adhere
- Nouns: law, regulation, guideline, principle, policy, standard, code, procedure
- Contexts: religion, science, workplace, legal, technical
Examples
- Please adhere to the dress code during the ceremony.
- The sticker will not adhere to wet surfaces.
- She has always adhered to her personal principles.
- All participants must adhere strictly to safety regulations.
- The organization adheres to international quality standards.
- His followers adhered to his teachings for decades.
- The glue ensures tiles adhere firmly to the wall.
- We expect staff to adhere to the company code of conduct.
- The community continues to adhere to its traditions.
- Employees must adhere to the deadlines set by management.
Synonyms or Related
- Literal sense: stick, cling, bond, attach
- Figurative sense: comply with, observe, follow, abide by, conform to, uphold
- Opposites: detach, separate, break away from, violate, disregard