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."
inseparable
hold to
B2 formal inseparable transitive
To remain firm in a belief, promise, or standard, or to require someone else to do so
In plain English
Stay true to something you promised or believe in, or make someone keep their word
What does "hold to" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically grip something in order to keep it close
Actually means
Stay true to something you promised or believe in, or make someone keep their word
Usage tip
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').
Words that pair with "hold to"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
promise standard agreement principle word commitment
How to conjugate "hold to"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "hold to" in the wild
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Other ways to say "hold to"
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Keep exploring
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