Words / B2

uhd-HEER/ədˈhɪə/

To adhere is to stick to a surface, or to follow a rule or belief closely: adhere to the guidelines, the label would not adhere. Stick to and follow are everyday; abide by is a close formal cousin for rules. Adherence is the noun (adherence to the code). The pattern is adhere to, not adhere with. In speech, stick to the rules is enough. The word is official. Do not use it for a casual preference (“I adhere to tea”).

Meaning

To stick to a surface, or to follow a rule or belief (adhere to).

Examples

• “Staff must adhere to the dress code.”
• “Candidates must adhere to the word limit; extra pages are not marked.”
• “The plaster would not adhere to the damp wall, so the job was delayed.”

Good to know

adhere to + rule/belief; also stick (surface). Everyday: follow / stick to. Noun: adherence. Not “adhere with”. Official tone.

Near in meaning

stick to

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