adhere
Definitions
To stick firmly to a surface or object.
黏附，附着（在表面或物体上）。
To follow or remain loyal to a rule, plan, belief, or agreement.
坚持，遵守（规则、计划、信念或协议）。
Root Breakdown
Native Englishad- (onto) + her (stick) = "stick onto." Literally, a stamp adheres to an envelope. The metaphor came easily: you can also adhere to a rule or plan — your behavior 'sticks to' the agreed line and doesn't peel away. Most modern use is this figurative one: adhere to standards, guidelines, a schedule.
Root her still carries 28 more wordsUsage Guide
Almost always followed by 'to': adhere to a rule, adhere to a surface. In its 'follow/obey' sense it is formal — common in policies, contracts, and academic writing, where you'd say 'adhere to the guidelines' rather than the casual 'stick to.'
Example Sentences
- 1.
Make sure the tape adheres firmly to both surfaces.
- 2.
All staff must adhere to the safety guidelines.
- 3.
The company adheres strictly to its return policy.
Easily Confused
adhere vs. obey: both mean following rules, but adhere is about voluntarily sticking to a standard you've accepted (adhere to your principles), while obey implies authority and commands (obey an order). You adhere to guidelines; you obey a police officer.