adherent
noun C2
Plain meaning
a person who supports a belief, group, or leader
Exam-register meaning
In formal or high-level texts, it is used to describe a person who supports a belief, group, or leader, often with a precise or specialised tone.
In context
naturalThe article mentioned adherent as one of the main issues.
examThe author examines adherent in relation to social change, public policy, and institutional responsibility.
Common collocations
a clear adherentevidence of adherentwidespread adherent
Watch out
Do not use “adherent” as a vague high-level replacement; make sure the sentence really needs this specific noun.