conformist
UK[kənˈfɔːmɪst]US[kənˈfɔːrmɪst]
n
a person who behaves or thinks in the same way as most other people, and does not want to be different
adj
behaving or thinking in the same way as most other people, and not wanting to be different
Morpheme Breakdown
con
form
ist
con
together
form
shape
ist
person who does
Etymology
the word 'conformist' is built upon the latin verb 'conformare', meaning 'to shape, fashion, or mold together'. this verb itself is a compound of the prefix 'con-' (together) and the root 'forma' (shape). the core idea is of bringing something into the same shape as a model or standard. the suffix '-ist', denoting an adherent or practitioner, was added in english to create a noun for a person who conforms. thus, the literal progression from 'shaping together' to the modern sense captures the social logic of an individual who aligns their behavior and beliefs with prevailing norms, adopting the collective 'shape' of society.
Analysis
Structure: con (together) + form (shape) + ist (person who does)
con: from latin 'cum', meaning 'with, together'. a prefix indicating association or completeness.
form: from latin 'forma', meaning 'shape, mold, appearance'. a root denoting external shape or structure.
ist: from latin '-ista', greek '-istes', a suffix forming agent nouns, meaning 'a person who practices or is concerned with something'.
Examples
he was a rebel in his youth but became a conformist in middle age.
the school encouraged independent thought rather than conformist attitudes.
she refused to be a conformist and always dressed in her own unique style.