Literary notes about Conform (AI summary)
In literature, the word "conform" is employed to signify the act of adapting or aligning to a preestablished standard—whether that standard is linguistic, aesthetic, moral, or social. Authors use it to emphasize the need for things to be in agreement with an accepted norm, as seen when language is adjusted to common usage [1] or when a heraldic inescutcheon must match the shield’s outline [2]. Philosophical texts further extend its meaning to the molding of one’s inner will to external principles [3, 4], while historical and political writings depict conformity as a duty to customs or superior authority [5, 6]. This versatile usage underscores literature’s concern with the balance between individuality and the broader forces of tradition and structure.
- But to conform our language more to common use, we ought to divide arguments into demonstrations , proofs , and probabilities .
— from An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding by David Hume - When an inescutcheon appears on a shield it should conform in its outline to the shape of the shield upon which it is placed.
— from A Complete Guide to Heraldry by Arthur Charles Fox-Davies - It is one thing to know virtue, and another to conform the will to it.
— from A Treatise of Human Nature by David Hume - To these conceptions, then, all the objects of experience must necessarily conform.
— from The Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant - Beyond the secondary power of a High Governor, Zil-es-Sultan has no other influence, and has to conform to superior orders.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - I am sorry to disappoint you, but so long as you live under my roof, you will have to conform to the ways of my household."
— from The Wit and Humor of America, Volume X (of X)
