First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
conform
verb con·form \kən-ˈfȯrm\
: to be similar to or the same as something
: to obey or agree with something
: to do what other people do : to behave in a way that is accepted by most people
Full Definition of CONFORM
transitive verb
: to give the same shape, outline, or contour to : bring into harmony or accord <conform furrows to the slope of the land>
intransitive verb
1
: to be similar or identical; also : to be in agreement or harmony —used with to or with <changes that conform with our plans>
2
a : to be obedient or compliant —usually used with to <conform to another's wishes> b : to act in accordance with prevailing standards or customs <the pressure to conform>
— con·form·er noun
— con·form·ism \-ˈfȯr-ˌmi-zəm\ noun
— con·form·ist \-mist\ noun or adjective
See conform defined for English-language learners
See conform defined for kids
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Origin of CONFORM
Middle English, from Anglo-French conformer, from Latin conformare, from com- + formare to form, from forma form
Related to CONFORM
Synonym Discussion of CONFORM
adapt, adjust, accommodate, conform, reconcile mean to bring one thing into correspondence with another. adapt implies a modification according to changing circumstances <adapted themselves to the warmer climate>. adjust suggests bringing into a close and exact correspondence or harmony such as exists between parts of a mechanism <adjusted the budget to allow for inflation>. accommodate may suggest yielding or compromising to effect a correspondence <accommodated his political beliefs in order to win>. conform applies to bringing into accordance with a pattern, example, or principle <refused to conform to society's values>. reconcile implies the demonstration of the underlying compatibility of things that seem to be incompatible <tried to reconcile what he said with what I knew>.
Rhymes with CONFORM
art form, aswarm, barnstorm, brainstorm, by-form, by storm, deform, Delorme, dust storm, firestorm, free-form, hailstorm, ice storm, inform, L-form, landform, life-form, line storm, lukewarm, perform, planform, platform, preform, rainstorm, re-form, reform, sandstorm, slip form, snowstorm, transform, triform, waveform, windstorm
CONFORMER Defined for Kids
conform
verb con·form \kən-ˈfȯrm\
con·formedcon·form·ing
Definition of CONFORM for Kids
2
: comply <Every student needs to conform to school rules.>
Word Root of CONFORM
The Latin word forma, meaning “form” or “shape,” gives us the root form. Words from the Latin forma have something to do with shape. The form of a person or thing is its shape. To conform is to fit in with others in form, shape, or manner. Something formal, such as dinner, follows a specific custom or form. The format of something, such as a book, is its general shape and arrangement.
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