adhering
B2Formal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
Sticking firmly to a surface, substance, or principle; continuing to follow or support something.
Acting in accordance with rules, beliefs, or agreements; maintaining loyalty or commitment; sticking together physically or metaphorically.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a deliberate or persistent act of sticking to something. Can describe physical adhesion (like glue) or abstract commitment (like principles). Often conveys a sense of loyalty, consistency, or compliance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and certain collocations. British usage may more commonly pair with 'to' in legal/formal contexts; American usage is more frequent in business/procedure contexts.
Connotations
In both, it suggests formality and commitment. Slightly stronger connotation of duty/compliance in UK English.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties; slightly more common in formal/academic writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Adhere to + noun phrase (e.g., adhering to the plan)Adhere + adverb (e.g., adhering strictly)Adhere + together (physical sense)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Adhering to the letter of the law”
- “Adhering like glue”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for compliance with policies, standards, or contracts. 'The supplier is adhering to the delivery schedule.'
Academic
Describes following methodology, theories, or ethical guidelines. 'The study is adhering to strict experimental protocols.'
Everyday
Used for sticking to plans, diets, or promises. 'She's still adhering to her New Year's resolution.'
Technical
Refers to physical bonding in engineering/medicine. 'The coating is adhering well to the metal surface.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The company is adhering to the new GDPR regulations.
- The wallpaper isn't adhering to the damp wall.
American English
- We're adhering to the project timeline strictly.
- The tape isn't adhering properly in this humidity.
adverb
British English
- N/A - 'adhering' is not standardly used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - 'adhering' is not standardly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The adhering plaster needed replacement.
- They formed an adhering group of supporters.
American English
- Use an adhering primer before painting.
- The adhering members voted as a bloc.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The stamp is adhering to the envelope.
- He is adhering to the school rules.
- The team is adhering to the agreed budget.
- She is adhering to her doctor's advice.
- By adhering to the original plan, we avoided confusion.
- The paint should be adhering firmly within 24 hours.
- The research was criticised for not adhering to established methodological standards.
- Despite pressure, the government is adhering to its fiscal commitments.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: AD-HERE-ing = Adding yourself HERE, sticking to this spot or idea.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOYALTY/COMMITMENT IS PHYSICAL ADHESION (e.g., 'adhering to principles' frames abstract loyalty as concrete sticking).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not equivalent to просто "придерживаться" in all contexts; stronger than 'поддерживать'. Often requires 'to' after it. Can be confused with 'following' but implies stronger attachment.
Common Mistakes
- Omitting 'to' (INCORRECT: 'adhering the rules'). Confusing with 'cohering' (which means internal consistency). Using for temporary, weak attachment.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'adhering' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In its most common abstract sense (meaning 'to follow or obey'), yes, it requires the preposition 'to' (e.g., adhering to rules). In the physical sense, it can sometimes stand alone (e.g., 'The layers are adhering.').
'Adhering' implies a stronger, more committed, and often more formal or stubborn act of sticking to something. 'Following' is more neutral and general. You 'follow' a recipe, but 'adhere' to a strict dietary philosophy.
Yes, though less common. It can describe something that sticks, e.g., 'an adhering bandage' or figuratively, 'an adhering supporter'. Its participial form often functions adjectivally.
It is neutral-to-formal. Common in official, academic, technical, and business contexts. In everyday speech, synonyms like 'sticking to' or 'following' are often used instead.
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