conformation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “conformation” mean?
The shape, structure, or arrangement of something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The shape, structure, or arrangement of something; the way in which something is formed or organized.
1. Compliance with rules, standards, or expectations. 2. In chemistry and biology: the spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule, especially referring to proteins or other flexible structures.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. The alternative spelling 'conformability' is sometimes used interchangeably in American English technical contexts, but 'conformation' is standard for the spatial arrangement sense.
Connotations
In both dialects, the word carries strong connotations of science, academia, and precise structure. It is not a casual, everyday term.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse but relatively common in scientific (biology, chemistry, materials science) and some equestrian (horse shows) contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “conformation” in a Sentence
conformation of [noun] (e.g., conformation of the protein)conformation to [noun] (e.g., conformation to the rules)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “conformation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The protein was observed to conform to a helical structure.
- The policy must conform to EU regulations.
American English
- The molecule conforms to a specific geometry.
- The product conforms to industry standards.
adverb
British English
- The strands are arranged conformationally.
- The model was built conformationally correctly.
American English
- The data was analyzed conformationally.
- It is conformationally restricted.
adjective
British English
- The conformational change in the enzyme was critical.
- We ran a conformational analysis.
American English
- Conformational isomers were studied.
- The conformational stability of the polymer is key.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in very formal documents about regulatory 'conformation to standards'.
Academic
Common in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and materials science papers to describe the 3D shape of molecules.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used in specific contexts like dog or horse breeding/shows ('The dog's conformation is excellent').
Technical
Primary domain. Refers to the precise, often flexible, arrangement of parts in a system (e.g., 'The chair conformation of cyclohexane').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “conformation”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “conformation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conformation”
- Confusing it with 'conformation' as in 'confirmation' (verification). Incorrect: 'I need conformation of my booking.' Correct: 'I need confirmation...'
- Using it as a general synonym for 'shape' in non-technical writing where a simpler word would suffice.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In scientific contexts, they are often synonymous. However, 'configuration' can imply a fixed, defined arrangement (like in stereochemistry), while 'conformation' often implies a flexible structure that can change (like protein folding) without breaking bonds.
No. This is a common error due to confusion with 'confirmation'. 'Conformation' relates to structure or (archaically) compliance, not to verifying something is true.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialized word. You will encounter it primarily in scientific literature, technical reports, and specific fields like animal husbandry. In everyday conversation, words like 'shape' or 'structure' are used instead.
The primary stress is on the third syllable (-ma-), whereas in 'confirmation', the primary stress is on the first syllable (con-). The middle vowel also differs: 'conformation' has /ɔː/ (UK) or /ɚ/ (US), while 'confirmation' has /ɜː/ (UK) or /ɝ/ (US). In rapid speech, the difference can be subtle.
The shape, structure, or arrangement of something.
Conformation is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Conformation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒn.fɔːˈmeɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːn.fɚˈmeɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms use this word directly]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PROTEIN FOLDING into a specific CONFORMATION. 'Con-' (together) + 'formation' (how something is formed) = how parts are formed together into a structure.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRUCTURE IS A SHAPE/ARRANGEMENT (often a precise, functional, and sometimes flexible one).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following sentences is 'conformation' used INCORRECTLY?