Adherents
/əˈhɪərənts/
Definitions
A person who supports a particular set of beliefs or practices.
/əˈhɪərənts/
People who support a particular idea or person
The new religious movement gained a large number of adherents.
💡 Simply: People who follow a certain belief or idea.
More Examples
She is a staunch adherent of vegetarianism.
The theory's adherents believe it is the key to solving climate change.
How It's Used
"The political party has many adherents who passionately believe in their platform."
"The temple boasts a large number of adherents who attend services regularly."
From Middle English adheren, from Old French adherent, from Latin adhaerēns, present participle of adhaerēre "to stick to, adhere".
The word has consistently referred to those who stick to a belief or cause, though its usage has broadened from primarily religious contexts.
Memory tip
Think of 'adhering' to a belief system.
Word Origin
"to stick to, adhere"