noun
Uncommon
adherence
ad-HEER-unss
Adherence (noun) means sticking closely to a rule, agreement, treatment or set of standards. Example: “Strict adherence to the safety procedure is required.”
noun
1
Sticking closely to a rule, agreement, treatment or set of standards.
"Strict adherence to the safety procedure is required."
"Adherence to the medication was measured over six months."
How to use adherence
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSticking to a rule, plan or treatment.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
strict adherence
adherence to
medication adherence
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Strict _____ to the safety procedure is required.
Etymology
From Latin "adhaerere," to stick to, from "ad-" (to) plus "haerere" (to cling).
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for adherence
See all rhymes for adherence →Frequently asked questions
What does adherence mean?
Sticking to something as required — a rule, a plan, a course of treatment or a standard.
What is the difference between adherence and compliance?
They overlap, but in healthcare the distinction matters: compliance suggests following instructions given to you, while adherence implies the patient agreed the plan and is following it as an active participant. Adherence is now generally preferred.
What is the meaning of adherence?
"adherence" (noun) means sticking closely to a rule, agreement, treatment or set of standards.
What is another word for adherence?
Other words for "adherence" include compliance, observance, conformity, attachment, adhesion, bond.
