Definition

1. Verb:
   • To stick firmly to a surface or substance: To attach or cling closely, often through physical adhesion.
   • To follow or observe strictly: To act in accordance with rules, principles, or an agreement.
   • To remain loyal or devoted: To give steady support to a person, group, cause, or set of beliefs.
   • To hold closely or maintain: To keep to a particular course, plan, or opinion without deviation.

Usage Examples

• Verb (Stick Firmly):
  • The decal must adhere to a clean, dry surface for best results.
  • Will this tape adhere to plastic?
• Verb (Follow Strictly):
  • All participants must adhere to the competition guidelines.
  • It is crucial to adhere to the doctor's instructions.
• Verb (Remain Loyal):
  • Despite the controversy, many fans continued to adhere to the artist.
  • He adhered to his political party through many difficult elections.
• Verb (Hold Closely):
  • The team adhered to their original strategy and won the game.
  • She adhered to her decision despite the pressure.

Advanced Usage

• "adhere to": This is the most common construction, used with all meanings of the verb.
  • A good leader adheres to their values. (Remains loyal to)
  • Please ensure the poster adheres to the wall properly. (Sticks to)

Variants and Related Words

• Adherence (n): The act, action, or quality of adhering.
  • Strict adherence to the protocol is required.
• Adherent (n/adj):
  • (Noun): A supporter or follower.

    • She is a longtime adherent of the movement.
  • (Adjective): Sticking fast; clinging.

    • The adherent backing made the sticker easy to apply.
• Adhesive (n/adj):
  • (Noun): A substance used for sticking objects together.

    • We need a strong adhesive for this repair.
  • (Adjective): Having the property of sticking to a surface or object.

    • The adhesive strip held the bandage in place.

Synonyms

• Stick: To attach or cause to adhere.
• Cling: To hold on tightly to.
• Abide by: To accept and act according to a rule or decision.
• Comply with: To act in accordance with a wish, command, or rule.
• Follow: To act according to or be faithful to.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Adhere" is not typically used to form phrasal verbs. The meaning is almost always conveyed by "adhere to.")

Related Idioms

• To adhere to one's guns: (A variation of "to stick to one's guns") To refuse to change one's opinion or actions despite opposition.
  • Even when criticized, the scientist adhered to her guns about the research findings.

Verb

1. stick to firmly
   • Will this wallpaper adhere to the wall?
2. be loyal to
   • She stood by her husband in times of trouble
   • The friends stuck together through the war
3. be a devoted follower or supporter
   • The residents of this village adhered to Catholicism
   • She sticks to her principles
4. come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation
   • The dress clings to her body
   • The label stuck to the box
   • The sushi rice grains cohere
5. follow through or carry out a plan without deviation
   • They adhered to their plan
6. be compatible or in accordance with
   • You must adhere to the rules