What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
adherence
Example
The company has strict adherence to safety regulations. [adherence: noun]
Example
She adheres to a vegan diet for ethical reasons. [adheres: verb]
observance
Example
The observance of Ramadan involves fasting during daylight hours. [observance: noun]
Example
We observed our family's Christmas traditions by decorating the tree and exchanging gifts. [observed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Adherence is more commonly used in professional or organizational contexts, while observance is more commonly used in cultural or religious contexts. Both words are less common in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between adherence and observance?
Adherence is typically associated with a more serious or formal tone due to its use in professional or organizational contexts, while observance can be used in both formal and informal contexts and may have a more festive or celebratory connotation.
