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conformity

kun-FOR-muh-tee /kənˈfɔːrməti/

nounC1GRESAT

formalneutral

Behavior in accordance with socially accepted conventions or standards.

Can be positive (e.g., following traffic laws) or negative (e.g., suppressing individuality). It often results from a desire to fit in or avoid social disapproval.

The story behind the word. The word 'conformity' comes from the Latin verb 'conformare,' which means 'to form together' or 'to shape.' It's built from 'com-' (meaning 'with' or 'together') and 'formare' (meaning 'to form' or 'to shape'). So, to conform is literally to 'form with' others, to shape one's behavior or beliefs to match those of a group or established standards. It highlights the act of becoming similar to what is around you.

Word relationships

compliance: Obeying a request or command, often from authority; 'conformity' is more about aligning with group norms.
acquiescence: Passive acceptance or agreement without protest.
orthodoxy: Adherence to accepted or traditional beliefs, especially in religion.

individuality: The quality or character of a particular person or thing that distinguishes them from others.
nonconformity: Refusal to conform to a prevailing rule or practice.
rebellion: Open resistance to authority or control.

Commonly confused with

obedience: 'Obedience' is following direct orders from an authority figure; 'conformity' is adjusting behavior to fit in with a group's unspoken norms or expectations.

Word family

conform (verb): To comply with rules, standards, or laws.
conformist (noun): A person who conforms to accepted behavior or standards.

Collocations

social conformity
pressure to conformity
blind conformity
enforce conformity
desire for conformity

Example sentences

"The experiment demonstrated the powerful influence of group pressure on individual conformity." Discussing social psychology.
"Critics argue that too much emphasis on conformity can stifle creativity and independent thought." In a critique of modern society.
"During certain historical periods, social conformity was strictly enforced, with severe penalties for deviation." From a historical perspective.

Memory hook

To 'conform,' you 'form' yourself 'with' (con-) the group. Form with

When not to use

Do not use 'conformity' to describe simply following rules or guidelines that are universally beneficial and not tied to social pressure (e.g., 'conformity to safety standards' is less common than 'adherence to safety standards').

Fun facts

The Asch conformity experiments in the 1950s famously demonstrated how individuals would often conform to a group's incorrect judgment, even when their own senses told them otherwise.