conform
UK[kənˈfɔːm]US[kənˈfɔːrm]
v
to behave and think in the same way as most other people in a group or society
v
to obey a rule, standard, or law
v
to be similar to or the same as something
Morpheme Breakdown
con
form
con
together
form
shape
Etymology
The word "conform" entered English in the late 14th century from the Old French conformer, which itself was derived from the Latin conformare, meaning "to fashion, to shape, to form". The Latin term is a compound of the prefix con- (an assimilated form of com-, meaning "together") and formare ("to form", from forma, "a shape, a mold"). The core logic of the word is the idea of shaping oneself together with an established pattern or standard. This literal sense of "shaping to match" evolved from the physical act of molding an object to a pattern into the modern abstract meanings of complying with rules, aligning with social norms, or being similar in character.
Analysis
Structure: con (together) + form (shape)
- con: A Latin prefix meaning "together, with".
- form: A root from Latin forma, meaning "shape, mold, appearance".
Examples
Most teenagers feel a strong pressure to conform.
The building must conform to fire safety regulations.
The product does not conform to the advertised specifications.