conformist

/kənˈfɔːrmɪst/
nounIntermediate
formal

A person who conforms to accepted behavior or established practices, often without questioning or deviating from the norm.

In many workplaces, employees are expected to be conformists to maintain a cohesive team culture.

Employees follow group norms to support team unity.

💡

Often used in discussions about social behavior, group dynamics, or resistance to change.

informal

A person who adheres strictly to conventional or traditional standards, sometimes to the point of resisting innovation or individuality.

The artist rejected conformist thinking and created avant-garde works.

The artist resisted traditional norms to produce unconventional art.

💡

Can carry a negative connotation when used to describe resistance to progress or creativity.

Collocations

blind conformistsomeone who follows norms without critical thoughtsocial conformistperson who adheres to societal expectations

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

conform to expectationsphrase
to follow what is expected by a group or society

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

The word can be neutral (descriptive) or negative (critical), depending on the context.

Gold Rule

Avoid Overgeneralization

Not all conformity is negative; some norms are socially beneficial.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'conformare' (to shape or mold), with '-ist' denoting a person who adheres to a particular belief or practice.

📝Usage Notes

Often used in discussions about social behavior, group dynamics, or resistance to change. Can carry a neutral or negative connotation depending on context.

Word Breakdown

conform
to comply with standards or expectations
root
+
-ist
a person who adheres to a particular belief or practice
suffix
English Dictionary