Conformists

/kənˈfɔːrmɪsts/ noun

Definition

Plural of conformist; people who tend to follow rules and customs without questioning them; also historically, those who conformed to the Church of England.

Etymology

From conformist + -s plural suffix. The term gained particular historical meaning during the English Reformation when 'conformists' referred to those accepting Anglican church practices.

Kelly Says

In 1662, the 'Conformists' were clergy who kept their jobs by accepting the Church of England's authority—while 'Non-Conformists' refused and lost everything, showing that 'conformist' can be a loaded label with real consequences.

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