correspondence in form or appearance
"The custom furniture was praised for its perfect conformity to the traditional Victorian style."
acting according to certain accepted standards
"their financial statements are in conformity with generally accepted accounting practices"
orthodoxy in thoughts and belief
"The cult demanded absolute conformity in thought and belief, punishing anyone who questioned their dogmas."
hardened conventionality
"The committee's strict adherence to outdated protocols revealed a disturbing conformity that stifled any innovative thinking."
The state of things being similar or identical.
"The uniform gray suits of all employees created an atmosphere of conformity within the office."
In plain English: Conformity is when you change your behavior to match what other people are doing just so you fit in with them.
"The company hired him for his conformity to their strict dress code and work habits."
Usage: Use this term to describe voluntary adherence to social norms rather than mere physical similarity, as the latter is better expressed by "uniformity." Avoid confusing it with "compliance," which implies obedience to rules rather than alignment with group behavior.
The word conformity entered English from Middle French as a borrowing of an existing term rather than through a shift in meaning within the language itself. It retains its original sense of agreement or correspondence that was already present when it arrived on the scene.