hold to
B2 formal inseparable transitive
In simple words
Stay true to something you promised or believe in, or make someone keep their word
Literal meaning: To physically grip something in order to keep it close
Meanings
1 B2 formal
To remain committed to a belief, principle, or standard without wavering
"Despite pressure from colleagues, she held to her belief that the experiment was flawed."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To require someone to fulfill a promise, agreement, or standard they have set
"The client held the contractor to the original deadline despite the delays."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Often used to describe moral or contractual firmness. Can be reflexive ('hold oneself to a standard') or directed at another person ('hold someone to a promise').
Commonly used with
promise standard agreement principle word commitment
Forms
Base
hold to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
holds to
he/she/it
Past simple
held to
yesterday
Past participle
held to
have + pp
-ing form
holding to
continuous
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Synonyms
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