These are two words that seem so much alike and can be easily confused and used interchangeably if a learner of English language does not understand the meaning of each word and the difference between confirm and conform clearly. Words that have similar spellings but are pronounced differently and have different meanings are called homonyms. It is easy to get confused between such words and people often do use such words interchangeably without really knowing their proper meanings. Confirm and conform are homonyms that are often mistaken for one another and these words carry two very different meanings because of which they cannot replace one another under any circumstance.
What is Confirm?
Confirm is a verb that generally carries the meaning to establish the accuracy, truth and the genuineness of something. It can be used to imply the validity of a fact, information, data or an opinion. It can also strengthen the opinion, resolution or the habit of a person.
This report confirms my opinion; it was the next door neighbors after all.
The accident confirmed his fear of driving.
It is also used to acknowledge a fact with definite assurance.
The hotel confirmed the reservation of the room.
Confirm is also used to make valid, bind or form a legal fact. It can be used to sanction or ratify.
The two countries confirmed the treaty.
What is Conform?
Confirm is a verb that can be used in various ways. Primarily, confirm means to give the same contour, shape or the outline to something. Examine the example below.
The liquid conformed to the shape of the container easily.
It also means to comply to or to adjust accordingly to the prevailing standards, practices or attitudes of a certain society or a group. For example,
She absolutely refused to conform to the rules and regulations of the school.
Conform can also mean to be in accordance with, to be identical or similar or to be in perfect harmony with something. Look at the following example.
This idea conforms to our plan.
They must make changes to conform.
What is the difference between Confirm and Conform?
Confirm and conform are two verbs that are easily confused with one another due to their similarity in spellings.
• Confirm means to establish the accuracy, truth and the genuineness of something while also implying the validity of a fact, information, data or an opinion. It can also strengthen the opinion, resolution or the habit of a person.
• Conform means to comply to or to adjust accordingly to the prevailing standards, practices or attitudes of a certain society or a group or to be in accordance or complete harmony with something.
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