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v. con·formed, con·form·ing, con·forms v.intr. 1. a. To be or act in accord with a set of standards, expectations, or specifications: a computer that conforms with the manufacturer's advertising claims; students learning to conform to school safety rules. See Synonyms at correspond. b. To act, often unquestioningly, in accordance with traditional customs or prevailing standards: "Our table manners ... change from time to time, but the changes are not reasoned out; we merely notice and conform" (Mark Twain). 2. To be similar in form or pattern: a windy road that conforms to the coastline; a shirt that conforms to different body shapes. v.tr. To bring into accord or agreement; cause to correspond or comply: "a woman who has conformed herself to the male-designed image of virtuous widowhood so that she can live in peace" (Jennifer Panek). See Synonyms at adapt. [Middle English conformen, from Old French conformer, from Latin cōnfōrmāre, to shape after : com-, com- + fōrmāre, to shape (from fōrma, shape).] con·former n. |
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