noun

adherence

ad-HEER-uns/ədˈhɪrəns/

Firm attachment to something.

His adherence to the crossing rule keeps him waiting at the red signal.

A pedestrian faithfully observes a crossing rule: he waits behind the curb beneath a red pedestrian stop signal even though the small visible stretch of road is empty.

Etymology

adLatinto, toward

+herLatinto stick, cling

+enceLatinstate or quality

Adherence turns “sticking to” into a state of attachment. Its established sense concerns the mind or feelings remaining attached to a cause or belief, making faithful support a figurative kind of clinging.

In context

Andrew Huberman59:20

from lowest adherence to best adherence, there it was a linear effect on weight loss. So really what it says is, what is the diet that's going to be easiest for you to adhere to

The Science of Eating for Health, Fat Loss & Lean Muscle | Dr. Layne Norton

More examples

Strict adherence to the schedule keeps the project on time.
The coating shows poor adherence to the greasy surface.
His adherence to the movement continued despite its setbacks.

Forms

adhere verb — To stick firmly or remain faithfully attached.

Similar words

compliance: Emphasizes meeting requirements rather than loyalty or attachment.
adhesion: The more usual term for surfaces sticking together.