English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
verb

adhere

ad-HEER
verb
1
To stick firmly to a surface.
"The label wouldn't adhere properly to the wet bottle."
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."

How to Use Adhere

Learner’s notes

In 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

Word Forms

adhered past tense, adheres singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “adhere” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The label wouldn't _____ properly to the wet bottle.

Etymology

From Latin adhaerere, "to stick to," from ad- ("to") plus haerere ("to stick").

Related Words

Rhymes for adhere

See all rhymes for adhere →

People Also Searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial