Adhere vs. Comply — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 2, 2024
Adhere refers to following or sticking firmly to rules, policies, or beliefs, often suggesting a voluntary or loyal attachment, while comply specifically means to act in accordance with commands, rules, or requests, often under pressure or obligation.
Difference Between Adhere and Comply
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Adhere implies a faithful attachment to a guideline or principle. This attachment is often voluntary, reflecting a personal or organizational commitment to a set of standards or beliefs. On the other hand, comply denotes obedience to a specific request, command, or law, typically in situations where there is little choice but to follow the directives given.
When one adheres to principles or practices, there's usually an element of steadfastness and dedication involved. This might be seen in scenarios where individuals or groups maintain rigorous adherence to cultural or ethical codes. In contrast, compliance is often required to avoid legal repercussions or to fulfill regulatory obligations, emphasizing adherence to external pressures or requirements.
The motivations behind adherence can be intrinsic, driven by values or beliefs aligning with the principles being followed. Conversely, compliance is often extrinsic, motivated by the need to meet external standards or avoid negative outcomes, such as penalties or societal disapproval.
Adherence can develop into a part of one's identity or corporate culture, indicating a deep-rooted commitment to certain norms or policies. Compliance, while necessary, may not carry the same depth of personal or corporate identity alignment; it might simply signify meeting the minimal necessary standards without a deeper engagement.
Despite their differences, both adherence and compliance play crucial roles in maintaining order and consistency within societies and organizations. They ensure that individuals and groups align with broader goals and legal frameworks, though the depth and nature of their commitment may vary.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Stick firmly to (rules, beliefs, practices).
Act according to command, rule, or request.
Motivation
Often intrinsic, based on personal values.
Typically extrinsic, driven by external forces.
Connotation
Implies loyalty and voluntary commitment.
Suggests obedience, sometimes reluctantly given.
Application
Broad, can be ideological or practical.
Specific, often in legal or formal contexts.
Nature
Deep-seated, possibly part of identity.
Compliance may be superficial or temporary.
Compare with Definitions
Adhere
To maintain allegiance to a certain practice or set of rules.
The company adheres to international environmental standards.
Comply
To act in accordance with rules or demands.
The builder must comply with local building codes.
Adhere
To follow closely or faithfully.
She adheres to a strict vegetarian diet.
Comply
To meet specified standards or regulations.
Manufacturers comply with safety standards to avoid penalties.
Adhere
Implies firm attachment to a cause or belief.
He adheres to the principles of non-violent protest.
Comply
Often requires adherence to instructions from authority.
Employees are expected to comply with company policies.
Adhere
Often used to describe consistent support or adherence.
The followers adhere to the teachings of their leader without question.
Comply
Can suggest a lack of choice in the matter.
He complied with the request under duress.
Adhere
Reflects a personal choice or commitment.
They adhere to traditional methods in their craft.
Comply
Associated with obedience to laws or guidelines.
To avoid fines, they decided to comply with the new regulations.
Adhere
To stick fast to something; stay attached
Glue makes the wallpaper adhere to the wall.
Comply
To act in accordance with another's command, request, rule, or wish
The patient complied with the physician's orders.
Adhere
To remain devoted to or be in support of something
Adhered to her beliefs.
Comply
(Obsolete) To be courteous or obedient.
Adhere
To carry out a plan, scheme, or operation without deviation
We will adhere to our plan.
Comply
To yield assent; to accord; to acquiesce, agree, consent; to adapt oneself, to conform.
Adhere
To cause to adhere; make stick.
Comply
(archaic) To accomplish, to fulfil.
Adhere
(intransitive) To stick fast or cleave, as a glutinous substance does; to become joined or united.
Wax adhered to his finger
Comply
(archaic) To be ceremoniously courteous; to make one's compliments.
Adhere
To be attached or devoted by personal union, in belief, on principle, etc.
Comply
(archaic) To enfold; to embrace.
Adhere
To be consistent or coherent; to be in accordance; to agree.
Comply
To yield assent; to accord; agree, or acquiesce; to adapt one's self; to consent or conform; - usually followed by with.
Yet this be sure, in nothing to comply,Scandalous or forbidden in our law.
They did servilely comply with the people in worshiping God by sensible images.
He that complies against his willIs of his own opinion still.
Adhere
To affirm a judgment.
Comply
To be ceremoniously courteous; to make one's compliments.
Adhere
To stick fast or cleave, as a glutinous substance does; to become joined or united; as, wax to the finger; the lungs sometimes adhere to the pleura.
Comply
To fulfill; to accomplish.
Adhere
To hold, be attached, or devoted; to remain fixed, either by personal union or conformity of faith, principle, or opinion; as, men adhere to a party, a cause, a leader, a church.
Comply
To infold; to embrace.
Seemed to comply,Cloudlike, the daintie deitie.
Adhere
To be consistent or coherent; to be in accordance; to agree.
Comply
Act in accordance with someone's rules, commands, or wishes;
He complied with my instructions
You must comply or else!
Follow these simple rules
Abide by the rules
Adhere
Be compatible or in accordance with;
You must adhere to the rules
Adhere
Follow through or carry out a plan without deviation;
They adhered to their plan
Adhere
Come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation;
The dress clings to her body
The label stuck to the box
The sushi rice grains cohere
Adhere
Be a devoted follower or supporter;
The residents of this village adhered to Catholicism
She sticks to her principles
Adhere
Be loyal to;
She stood by her husband in times of trouble
The friends stuck together through the war
Adhere
Stick to firmly;
Will this wallpaper adhere to the wall?
Common Curiosities
What is the main difference between adhere and comply?
Adhere involves a loyal or intrinsic commitment to practices or beliefs, while comply indicates obedience to external commands or regulations.
Why is adherence considered more positive than compliance?
Adherence often implies a voluntary and committed approach, whereas compliance may be seen as obligatory and less willingly embraced.
Is adherence more relevant in personal or professional contexts?
It is relevant in both, but particularly in personal contexts where individual values and beliefs play a significant role.
Can compliance be seen as a form of adherence?
In a broad sense, compliance is a form of adherence to specific rules or commands, though it typically lacks the voluntary aspect associated with true adherence.
What are examples of situations requiring compliance?
Legal scenarios, workplace rules, and regulatory frameworks typically require compliance.
What motivates individuals to adhere to practices?
Personal beliefs, values, and the desire to maintain consistency and integrity motivate adherence.
Does non-compliance always indicate disagreement?
Not necessarily; non-compliance can also stem from misunderstandings or incapabilities.
Is it possible to comply without adhering?
Yes, one can comply with rules without a deeper commitment or adherence to the underlying principles.
Can an organization both adhere to and comply with standards?
Yes, an organization can adhere to its internal standards while complying with external legal requirements.
Can external pressures convert compliance into adherence?
Over time, consistent compliance might evolve into adherence if individuals or groups internalize the behaviors as part of their values.
How do changes in laws affect compliance and adherence?
Changes in laws necessitate adjustments in compliance strategies, and may challenge existing adherence to former practices.
How do societal norms influence compliance and adherence?
Societal norms can dictate the levels of compliance and adherence expected in various contexts, influencing behavior and practices.
How does adherence affect corporate culture?
Strong adherence to core values can positively shape and strengthen a company's culture.
What could happen if there is adherence without compliance?
This can occur when personal or organizational beliefs do not align with legal requirements, potentially leading to conflicts with the law.
What roles do adherence and compliance play in legal contexts?
They ensure that individuals and organizations operate within the boundaries set by laws and regulations.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
