conforming

/kənˈfɔːm/ (bre, ipa) · [kənfˈɔrmɪŋ] /kənˈfɔːrm/ (ame, ipa) · [kənfˈɔrmɪŋ] /kən-ˈfȯrm/ (ame, mw)

conforming — verb

  • conformingpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • conformings3rd person singular
  • conforminging-ing form
  • conformingedpast simple

1. To adjust the way you behave or dress so that you match what other people around

1.動詞不及物B2
釋義

To adjust the way you behave or dress so that you match what other people around you consider normal or acceptable.

例句

Aarav felt no pressure to conform to the dress code at his new school.

conform + to + noun phrase (dress code)

Teenagers often conform because they want to feel accepted by their peers.

conform + bare (no complement)

同義詞
  • fit in

    More informal and neutral; focuses on belonging comfortably rather than actively changing yourself.

  • follow the crowd

    Idiomatic and slightly informal; suggests doing what everyone else does without much thought.

反義詞
  • rebel

    Actively opposes or defies group norms rather than following them.

  • stand out

    Deliberately behaves or looks different from others.

文法句型

conform + to + noun phrase

refuse to conform

be forced to conform

用法筆記

Frequently used with the preposition 'to' to name the group or standard being followed. Common objects include 'social norms', 'expectations', 'tradition', or a group's 'standards'. The noun form 'conformity' (B2) is also widely used.

常見錯誤

❌He conformed the group's rules.
✅He conformed to the group's rules.
💡'conform' is intransitive and needs the preposition 'to' before an object.

2. To follow a law, rule, or official requirement, especially in areas such as prod

2.動詞不及物B2
釋義

To follow a law, rule, or official requirement, especially in areas such as product safety, building construction, or data protection.

例句

All new buildings must conform to the city's fire safety regulations.

must conform + to + regulation

Tamara checked whether the packaging conformed to international shipping standards.

conform + to + standard

同義詞
  • comply

    More formal; commonly used with 'with' (e.g., 'comply with regulations'). Often preferred in legal or official writing.

  • meet

    Direct and simpler; focuses on reaching a required standard (e.g., 'meet the requirements').

反義詞
  • violate

    Breaks a law or rule rather than following it.

  • breach

    Formal term for breaking a regulation or agreement.

文法句型

conform + to + regulation/standard/requirement

conform + with + noun phrase (British)

must conform + to

fail to conform + to

用法筆記

In formal British English, 'conform with' is also used as an alternative to 'conform to' (e.g., 'conform with regulations'). In American English, 'conform to' is standard. The related noun 'compliance' (B2) is very common in regulatory and business contexts.

常見錯誤

❌The product does not conform the safety standards.
✅The product does not conform to the safety standards.
💡'conform' cannot take a direct object; it always needs 'to' or 'with'.