adhere
ad-HEER
Adhere (verb) means to stick firmly to a surface. Example: “The label wouldn't adhere properly to the wet bottle.”
verb
1
To stick firmly to a surface.
"The label wouldn't adhere properly to the wet bottle."
"Tape will not adhere to a dusty surface."
"The paint adheres well to clean, dry walls."
2
To follow or comply with a rule, plan, or belief.
"All contractors must adhere to the safety guidelines."
"She adheres strictly to her daily routine."
"Members who adhere to the diet usually see results within weeks."
How to use adhere
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo stick to a surface physically, or to stick to a rule or plan.
Common pairings
adhere to the rules
adhere to a schedule
fail to adhere
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- adheres
- Past tense
- adhered
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The label wouldn't _____ properly to the wet bottle.
Etymology
From Latin adhaerere, "to stick to," from ad- ("to") plus haerere ("to stick").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
deadhere
divide
Related words
Rhymes for adhere
See all rhymes for adhere →Frequently asked questions
What does “adhere” mean?
The word “adhere” means to stick firmly to a surface. In plain terms, to stick to a surface physically, or to stick to a rule or plan.
How do you pronounce “adhere”?
“Adhere” is pronounced ad-HEER (/ædˈhɪɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “adhere” in a sentence?
Here is “adhere” used in a sentence: “The label wouldn't adhere properly to the wet bottle.”
What is another word for “adhere”?
Words with a similar meaning to “adhere” include attach, bond, cleave, cling, cohere and conglutinate.
What is the opposite of “adhere”?
The opposite of “adhere” — its antonyms — are deadhere and divide.
What part of speech is “adhere”?
“Adhere” is a verb.
Where does the word “adhere” come from?
The word “adhere” comes from Latin. From Latin adhaerere, "to stick to," from ad- ("to") plus haerere ("to stick").
Is “adhere” a common word?
“Adhere” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
Does "adhere" need to be followed by "to"?
Yes, in both its senses "adhere" is normally followed by "to," as in "the tape adhered to the wall" or "employees must adhere to the rules." It is not typically used without this preposition.
What is the difference between "adhere to" and "comply with" a rule?
Both mean following a rule or requirement, but "adhere to" can suggest a more committed, ongoing following of a belief, plan, or standard, while "comply with" often refers to meeting a specific requirement or regulation. In practice the two phrases are close in meaning and often interchangeable.
Can "adhere" describe both physical sticking and following rules?
Yes, "adhere" has two distinct senses: one meaning to physically stick firmly to a surface, and another meaning to follow or comply with a rule, plan, or belief.
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