English · Word Candidate

adhere

/ædˈhɪə/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: adheres · adhering · adhered

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To stick fast or cleave, as a glutinous substance does; to become joined or united.

Verb

Examples

Wax adhered to his finger.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To be attached or devoted by personal union, in belief, on principle, etc.

Verb

Examples

Upon the whole, if, by the British dominions, you mean territories subject to the Parliament, you adhere to your usual fallacy, and suppose what you are bound to prove.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “adhere” mean?

To stick fast or cleave, as a glutinous substance does; to become joined or united.

Is “adhere” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.