What does conformable mean?
Conformable is an adjective meaning in agreement with, consistent with, or corresponding to something — most often a rule, standard, custom, or set of expectations. To say that an action is conformable to the law is to say it accords with the law; likewise, a person's behavior may be described as conformable to the customs of a community. A secondary, less common sense describes material things that can be shaped or adapted to fit a given form, so that wax or clay may be called conformable because they take readily to molding. The word entered English from Latin through Old French, sharing its roots with 'conform' and 'conformity'. Today it reads as formal or literary, and in ordinary speech speakers tend to prefer phrases like 'in line with' or verbs such as 'conforms'. Its visual similarity to 'comfortable' makes careful reading worthwhile.
adjectiveAgreeing with, consistent with, or corresponding to something such as a rule, standard, or custom; also capable of being shaped or adapted to fit a particular form or purpose.
- In agreement or accord with something; consistent with a rule, standard, practice, or expectation.
- Capable of being shaped, molded, or adapted to fit a particular form, condition, or use.
"The committee found the proposal entirely conformable to the regulations laid down by the board."
"His conduct was always conformable to the strict discipline of the academy."
"Clay is highly conformable, taking whatever shape the potter presses upon it."
Despite looking like 'comfortable' at a glance, 'conformable' has nothing to do with cushions — it's about bending to rules, standards, or shapes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of conformable
Conformable derives from the Latin verb 'conformare', meaning to shape or fashion together, formed from 'con-' (together) plus 'formare' (to form). It reached English through Old French 'conforme' and appeared in English writing in the late Middle English period, around the fifteenth century. It belongs to the same family as 'conform', 'conformity', and 'conformist', all tracing back to that same Latin root.
Related word forms
How conformable is actually used
Formal and somewhat literary in register; rare in everyday modern speech, where 'in line with', 'in accordance with', or simply 'conforming' are more usual. The sense of physical malleability is chiefly encountered in older or technical writing.
Easily confused with conformable
Comfortable means giving physical ease or comfort, whereas conformable means agreeing with a rule, standard, or shape — despite their similar endings.
Confirmable means able to be verified or confirmed as true, while conformable means in agreement or accordance with something.