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Conform vs Reinforce - What's the difference?

conform | reinforce |

In transitive terms the difference between conform and reinforce

is that conform is to make similar in form or nature; to make suitable for a purpose; to adapt while reinforce is to encourage a behavior or idea through repeated stimulus.

As verbs the difference between conform and reinforce

is that conform is to act in accordance with expectations; to behave in the manner of others, especially as a result of social pressure while reinforce is (to strengthen by addition) To strengthen, especially by addition or augmentation.

conform

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • (intransitive, of persons, often followed by to) To act in accordance with expectations; to behave in the manner of others, especially as a result of social pressure.
  • * 1822 , , Peveril of the Peak , ch. 1:
    • [H]e had a dispensation for conforming in outward observances to the Protestant faith.
  • * 1839 , , The Voyage of the Beagle , ch. 4:
    • [B]y conforming to the dress and habits of the Gauchos, he has obtained an unbounded popularity in the country.
  • To be in accordance with a set of specifications or regulations, or with a policy or guideline.
  • * 1919 , , The Camp Fire Girls Do Their Bit , ch. 11:
    • In height and breadth it conformed to the prescribed measurements laid down by the rules of the contest.
  • * 2006 22 Dec., " Judge Cuts Amount of Vioxx Award ," New York Times (retrieved 7 June 2011):
    • A judge in a Texas widow’s lawsuit over the Merck drug Vioxx reduced a $32 million jury award to about $7.75 million on Thursday so that it conformed to state law.
  • To make similar in form or nature; to make suitable for a purpose; to adapt.
  • * , "Vanbrugh's House" in The Poems of Jonathan Swift (1910 edition):
    • There is a worm by Phoebus bred,
    By leaves of mulberry is fed,
    Which unprovided where to dwell,
    Conforms itself to weave a cell.
  • * 1836 , , Nature , ch. 6:
    • The sensual man conforms' thoughts to things; the poet ' conforms things to his thoughts.

    Synonyms

    * (act in accordance with expectations) acquiesce, comply, go along to get along, knuckle under, submit

    Related terms

    * conformance * conformation * conformer * conformism * conformist * conformity

    reinforce

    English

    Verb

    (reinforc)
  • (senseid)To strengthen, especially by addition or augmentation.
    • He reinforced the handle with a metal rod and a bit of tape.
  • To emphasize or review.
    • The right homework will reinforce and complement the lesson!
  • To encourage a behavior or idea through repeated stimulus.
    • ''Advertising for fast food can reinforce unhealthy dietary tendencies.

    Synonyms

    * (l) * (l) * (strengthen) strengthen, augment, fortify, buttress, bolster, line * (emphasize) emphasize, review, repeat * (encourage) encourage, reward, instruct, teach, learn