adherence

Meanings

1. 1noununcountableformal

   Careful and continued obedience to a rule, plan, belief or standard.

   Grammar: Usually followed by to: adherence to the guidelines.

   Patterns

   • adherence to something
   • strict adherence

   Strict adherence to the safety rules is required on site.

   The study measured patients' adherence to their medication plan.

   Her adherence to tradition surprised her friends.

2. 2noununcountabletechnical

   The physical sticking of one thing to another surface.

   Grammar: Technical use, common in science and medicine.

   Patterns

   • adherence of something to something

   Good adherence of the paint to the wall depends on a clean surface.

   Bacterial adherence to tissue can cause infection.

   The tape's adherence weakens in damp conditions.

Common combinations

strict adherence

The contract demands strict adherence to the schedule.

adherence to rules

Adherence to the rules keeps everyone safe.

poor adherence

Poor adherence to treatment can slow recovery.

ensure adherence

Managers must ensure adherence to the policy.

treatment adherence

Reminders can improve treatment adherence.

Synonyms and how they differ

compliance

Compliance suggests obeying an external rule or order, while adherence also covers sticking with a plan by choice.

observance

Observance is often used for customs, laws and holidays.

loyalty

Loyalty is about faithfulness to a person or group rather than rules.

attachment

Attachment is more emotional and not usually about following rules.

Opposites

Word family

adhere verb

to stick or to follow closely

adherent noun

a supporter of a belief or group

adhesive noun

a substance that sticks things together

adhesion noun

the process of sticking together

Commonly confused: adherence or adhesion?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “adherence”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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