Adhere
/ədˈhɪr/
verbB2
Definition
Adhere means to physically stick to a surface or to follow a rule, belief, or plan closely and without change. It can describe things like glue sticking to paper or people following instructions carefully.
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See It in Action
To stick physically to a surface
- •The tape will adhere better if the surface is clean.
- •Paint adheres well to dry walls.
- •The label did not adhere to the package properly.
To follow or support a rule, belief, or plan closely
- •She adheres to a strict diet every day.
- •The team must adhere to the safety regulations.
- •They adhere firmly to their cultural traditions.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "adhere" like "stick," but often used in more formal or serious situations
- ✓Picture a sticker on a notebook that does not come off easily
- ✓It feels like when you promise to keep a rule and don’t break it
- ✓Sounds like "add here" → imagine adding something right here and it stays stuck firmly
- ✓Think of a sign that says "Please adhere to the rules"—it means you must follow them closely
- ✓NOT like "stick" (which can be casual and physical only), "adhere" can mean both physical sticking and following ideas or rules
- ✓NOT like "follow" alone, because adhere means to do so carefully and strictly
- ✓NOT like "cling" which often means holding on loosely or emotionally, "adhere" implies firm attachment or commitment
Try Other Words
- •Stick: to hold on physically (use when talking about physical attachment in casual situations)
- •Follow: to do what rules or plans say (use when talking about obeying rules or plans)
- •Cling: to hold on tightly, often emotionally (use when emotional attachment is meant)
- •Attach: to join or connect physically or emotionally (use when joining things together)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "ad-" (to, toward) + "here" (from Latin "haerere," meaning to stick)
- •Etymology: From Latin "adhaerēre," meaning to stick to or be attached to something
- •Historical development: Entered English in the late 15th century, initially for physical sticking, later expanded to ideas and rules
- •Modern usage: Used both for physical sticking (like glue) and for following rules, ideas, or beliefs strictly
Reflect & Connect
•How do you decide when to adhere strictly to a rule and when it is okay to be flexible?
•Can something adhere without being visible, like ideas or beliefs? How does that feel different from physical sticking?
Fill in the blanks
1.The sticker will adhere ___ the surface only if it is clean and dry.
2.To succeed, you must adhere ___ the instructions carefully without skipping steps.
3.Unlike casual followers, they adhere ___ the rules with great seriousness.
4.When paint does not adhere ___ the wall, it may peel off after drying.
5.The company expects employees to adhere ___ the safety guidelines at all times.
6.She tries to adhere ___ a healthy lifestyle by exercising and eating well.
7.Sometimes people find it hard to adhere ___ new ideas because they prefer old habits.