Cool MateAdhere
UK /["/ədˈhɪə(r)/","/ədˈhɪəz/","/ədˈhɪəd/","/ədˈhɪərɪŋ/"]/US /["/ədˈhɪr/","/ədˈhɪrz/","/ədˈhɪrd/","/ədˈhɪrɪŋ/"]/
Definition
to stick to something
In simple words: To stick to something or follow it closely.
Examples
- Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria adhere to the surface of the red cells.
- Clean the surface first, or the paint will not adhere.
- There was oil adhering to the bird’s feathers.
- The tiles may not adhere properly if you do not use the correct glue.
Usage notes
Used in formal contexts, often in legal or technical language. It's appropriate when discussing rules, guidelines, or sticky substances, but less common in casual conversation.
Grammar pattern
adhere + object
Memory hint
Sounds like 'a-deer' — imagine a deer sticking closely to its mother.
Collocations
- closely
- firmly
- rigidly
- to
Synonyms
- stick
- attach
- follow
- comply
- obey
Antonyms
- detach
- separate
- disobey
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'adhere to' vs 'stick to' — they are not interchangeable.
- Using 'adhere' without a clear object — it needs to specify what is being adhered to.
- Assuming 'adhere' can only refer to physical sticking — it can also refer to following rules.