adherent
Americannoun
adjective
Synonym Usage
See follower.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of adherent
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin adhērent-, from Latin adhaerent-, stem of adhaerēns “sticking to,” present participle of adhaerēre “to stick to”; equivalent to adhere + -ent
Explanation
Because an adherent is usually something or someone that sticks to something or someone else, it's logical that it can also mean a person who believes in and supports a certain philosophy or leader. An adherent to a cause can be called a disciple, one who believes and tries to get others to believe. It can also refer to a material that sticks to other things. While the first meaning comes from the 15th century, the reference to a sticky substance didn't emerge until the 16th. In all cases, the word comes from the Latin root haerēre "stick," connected to the prefix ad- "to," making the word mean "to stick to."
Vocabulary lists containing adherent
Things Fall Apart
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Between the World and Me
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The Islamic World and South Asia, Lessons 3–5
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It is expected that the 55 Adherent Powers will sign this protocol and send the necessary individual invitations to the U. S. to "come on in."
From Time Magazine Archive
But the Adherent Powers of the World Court ignored the Senate's labors until September, and then swathed the U. S. reservations with counter-reservations.
From Time Magazine Archive
Britain's rule and throne Adherent still, yet happier than alone, And free as happy, and as brave as free, Proud are thy children—justly proud, of thee!
From Poems of the Heart and Home by Yule, J. C.
After passing the night at an inn near the gate, the Prince and his Single Adherent repaired to the palace to make inquiries regarding the principality.
From John Gayther's Garden and the Stories Told Therein by Stockton, Frank Richard
As she departed she turned and cast a black look at the Adherent.
From John Gayther's Garden and the Stories Told Therein by Stockton, Frank Richard
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
