Definition

Noun: 1. The tendency or practice of conforming to established attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs of a group or society: It describes the uncritical acceptance of prevailing customs, rules, or standards. 2. Orthodoxy in thoughts and belief: A state of aligning one's opinions and convictions with the dominant or conventional ones.

Usage and Examples

• General Use: Conformism is often discussed in social, psychological, and political contexts to describe societal pressure or individual inclination to fit in.
  • The company culture discouraged creativity and rewarded conformism.
  • He rebelled against the social conformism of his small town.
• With Prepositions:
  • Conformism to standards/rules/norms.

    • Their strict conformism to tradition stifled innovation.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• Conformism is typically used with a neutral or negative connotation, implying a lack of independent thought or courage. It is contrasted with individualism, nonconformity, or rebellion.
• The related adjective conformist is more commonly used than the noun to describe a person or behavior.
  • He had a conformist attitude. (common)
  • He exhibited conformism. (less common, more abstract)

Variants and Related Words

• Conformist (noun/adjective): A person who conforms, or describing someone/something that conforms.
  • She was no conformist; she always challenged the status quo.
• Conform (verb): To comply with rules, standards, or laws; to behave according to social norms.
  • The product must conform to safety regulations.
• Conformity (noun): This is the most common and general noun form. It refers to the act or state of conforming.
  • Social pressure ensures a high degree of conformity. (This is more frequent than "a high degree of conformism").

Synonyms

• Conventionality
• Orthodoxy
• Compliance
• Traditionalism

Antonyms

• Nonconformism
• Nonconformity
• Individualism
• Rebellion
• Unorthodoxy

Noun

1. orthodoxy in thoughts and belief