Adherence

Ad·her·ence

Adherence

n.

[Cf. F. adhérence, LL. adhaerentia.]

The quality or state of adhering.
The state of being fixed in attachment; fidelity; steady attachment; adhesion; as, adherence to a party or to opinions.

Syn. -- Adherence, Adhesion.

These words, which were once freely interchanged, are now almost entirely separated. Adherence is no longer used to denote physical union, but is applied, to mental states or habits; as, a strict adherence to one's duty; close adherence to the argument, etc. Adhesion is now confined chiefly to the physical sense, except in the phrase “To give in one's adhesion to a cause or a party.”

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