conformist

/kənˈfɔrməst/

/kənˈfɔmɪst/

Other forms: conformists

A conformist is a person who follows traditional standards of conduct. If you're a conformist, it's unlikely you'll join a revolution to overthrow your government; instead you'll argue that it's best to keep things the way they are.

Conformist comes from the Old French word conformer, which means "to agree to, make or be similar, be agreeable." People sometimes use the term conformist in a negative way, as an insult implying that someone doesn't have the brains or the guts to question the status quo. Conformist can also be used as an adjective to describe something that follows convention and established customs. A conformist school board, for example, would follow the usual time-tested curriculum.

Definitions of conformist

1. noun

   someone who conforms to established standards of conduct (especially in religious matters)
   antonyms:

   nonconformist

   someone who refuses to conform to established standards of conduct

   type of:

   conservative, conservativist

   a person who is reluctant to accept changes and new ideas
2. adjective

   adhering to established customs or doctrines (especially in religion)
   synonyms: conforming

   mainstream, orthodox

   adhering to what is commonly accepted
3. adjective

   marked by convention and conformity to customs or rules or styles
   “underneath the radical image teenagers are surprisingly conformist”

   antonyms:

   nonconformist

   not conforming to some norm or socially approved pattern of behavior or thought