conformity

[kuhn-fawr-mi-tee]

noun

plural

conformities 

1. action in accord with prevailing social standards, attitudes, practices, etc.

2. correspondence in form, nature, or character; agreement, congruity, or accordance.

3. compliance or acquiescence; obedience.

4. (often initial capital letter),  compliance with the usages of an established church, especially the Church of England.

5. Geology.,  the relationship between adjacent conformable strata.

conformity

/ kənˈfɔːmɪtɪ /

noun

1. compliance in actions, behaviour, etc, with certain accepted standards or norms

2. correspondence or likeness in form or appearance; congruity; agreement

3. compliance with the practices of an established church

conformity

1. Agreement between an individual's behavior and a group's standards or expectations. A conformist is one who follows the majority's desires or standards. (See also beatniks, bureaucrat, organization man (see also organization man), peer group, and peer pressure.)

Other Word Forms

• anticonformity noun
• hyperconformity noun
• preconformity noun
• semiconformity noun
• superconformity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of conformity¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English conformite, from Middle French, from Late Latin confōrmitās; equivalent to conform + -ity

Example Sentences

Hitler and Stalin enforced rigid ideological conformity and unleashed ruthless violence against dissenters.

From Salon

Reading the novel is a rite of passage for some; for others, it can be a guide for dissent against conformity.

From Salon

At least having a lady on board mixed it up a little, offering what passes for novelty in the conformity of right-wing media.

From Salon

Resonating with past movements, today’s students are reclaiming education as an act of resistance, not a preparation for conformity and ideological indoctrination.

From Salon

“They stand against dogma, conformity and indoctrination. We can disagree, passionately, even vehemently, but always respectfully.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• obedience