conform

Where does the word "conform" come from? It comes from Latin forma, passing through Latin and Old French before entering English (1300s).

Conform’s story begins in Latin: forma meant “shape, mold.” Shape, mold, combined with com- (together). Within Latin, it grew into conformare by ancient. To shape together, to make similar, from com- and formare. From there it passed into Old French as conformer by medieval. Carried into French for behaving according to accepted standards. It reached English by 1300s as conform. Settled as the English word for behaving according to accepted standards or rules. Today, conform means to comply with rules, standards, or expectations.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient forma "shape, mold", shape, mold, combined with com- (together).
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient conformare "to shape together, to make similar", to shape together, to make similar, from com- and formare.
3. Stage 3 · Old French · medieval conformer "to behave according to accepted standards", carried into French for behaving according to accepted standards.
4. Stage 4 · English · 1300s conform "to behave according to accepted standards or rules", settled as the English word for behaving according to accepted standards or rules.