Adhere vs. Adherence

Attribute	Adhere	Adherence
Definition	to stick to something	the act of sticking to something
Verb form	adhere	adherence
Noun form	adherence	adherence
Part of speech	verb	noun
Usage	used to describe an action	used to describe a state or quality

Definition

Adhere and adherence are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. Adhere is a verb that means to stick firmly to a surface or an object. It can also mean to follow a particular set of rules or guidelines. Adherence, on the other hand, is a noun that refers to the act of sticking to something or following a particular set of rules or guidelines. In essence, adhere is the action of sticking, while adherence is the state of being stuck or following.

Usage

When it comes to usage, adhere is typically used in a more physical sense. For example, you might adhere a sticker to a piece of paper or adhere a bandage to a wound. Adherence, on the other hand, is often used in a more abstract sense. You might talk about someone's adherence to a particular belief or adherence to a strict diet. In this way, adherence is often used to describe someone's commitment or dedication to something.

Flexibility

One key difference between adhere and adherence is their flexibility. Adhere is a verb that can be used in a variety of contexts and can be applied to a wide range of situations. You can adhere to a schedule, adhere to a plan, or adhere to a set of principles. Adherence, on the other hand, is more limited in its usage. It is typically used to describe someone's commitment to a specific set of rules or guidelines, rather than a general sense of sticking to something.

Connotations

Another difference between adhere and adherence is their connotations. Adhere tends to have a more neutral connotation, simply describing the act of sticking to something. Adherence, on the other hand, often carries a more positive connotation. When someone is described as having strong adherence to a particular set of principles or beliefs, it implies a sense of dedication and loyalty. Adherence is often seen as a desirable trait, indicating that someone is reliable and trustworthy.

Examples

To better understand the difference between adhere and adherence, let's look at some examples. If you are trying to lose weight, you might adhere to a strict diet plan by sticking to a specific meal schedule and avoiding certain foods. In this case, you are demonstrating adherence to your diet plan. On the other hand, if you are putting up a poster on your wall, you might adhere it using tape or adhesive. In this case, you are demonstrating the action of adhering the poster to the wall.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while adhere and adherence are related terms, they have distinct meanings and uses. Adhere is a verb that describes the action of sticking to something, whether physically or metaphorically. Adherence, on the other hand, is a noun that describes the state of being stuck to something or following a particular set of rules or guidelines. Understanding the differences between these two terms can help you use them more effectively in your writing and communication.