Definition
An adherent is a person who supports or follows a particular person, idea, or organization, typically someone or something that has a certain set of beliefs, principles, or policies.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adherent is a noun.
Synonyms
Follower, supporter, disciple, devotee, enthusiast, advocate, adherer, partisan, believer.
Antonyms
Opponent, dissenter, adversary, critic, skeptic, detractor, cynic.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | adherences, adherents, adherence, adherent |
| Verb | adhere, adhering, adheres, adhered |
| Adjective | adherent |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
-
The politician had many adherents who supported his campaign for re-election.
-
The religious leader had a large group of adherents who followed his teachings.
-
The company’s adherents were loyal customers who always chose its products over those of its competitors.
-
As a dedicated adherent of the philosophical teachings, she embraced the principles with unwavering devotion, attending every lecture, poring over books late into the night, and engaging in profound discussions to deepen her understanding of the subject.
Usage
The word “adherent” comes from the Latin word “adhaerere,” meaning “to stick to.” An adherent is someone who sticks to or follows a particular person, idea, or organization. This can refer to someone who supports a political candidate or party, a religious leader or group, a philosophical or social movement, or a company or brand.
The term “adherent” can have a positive or negative connotation depending on the context in which it is used. In a positive sense, an adherent can be seen as a dedicated supporter, someone who is committed to the ideas or principles of a particular cause or organization. In a negative sense, an adherent can be seen as blindly loyal or unquestioning, someone who is unable or unwilling to think critically or consider alternative perspectives.
The word “adherent” can also be used with prefixes and suffixes to create related words. For example, the prefix “non-” can be added to “adherent” to create “nonadherent,” which means someone who does not support or follow a particular person, idea, or organization. The suffix “-ism” can be added to “adherent” to create “adherentsim,” which refers to the practice or belief of adhering to a particular person, idea, or organization.
In everyday usage, the word “adherent” can be used to describe a wide range of individuals or groups who support or follow a particular person, idea, or organization. It is a useful word for describing the relationship between a leader or organization and its followers, as well as the dedication and commitment of those followers. The word “adherent” can also be used to create interesting and nuanced character descriptions in creative writing, helping to define a character’s beliefs and motivations.