conformar
“conformar” means “to form” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to form
Also: to make up, to shape
📝 In Action
Diez países conforman el bloque comercial.
B2Ten countries form the trade block.
Estos elementos conforman la estructura básica del edificio.
C1These elements make up the basic structure of the building.
El comité está conformado por expertos de todo el mundo.
B2The committee is made up of experts from all over the world.
to settle for
Also: to be satisfied with, to resign oneself
📝 In Action
No me conformo con una respuesta simple.
B1I won't settle for a simple answer.
Tienes que conformarte con lo que hay.
A2You have to be satisfied with what there is.
Ella se conformó con el segundo lugar.
B1She settled for second place.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: conformar
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence means 'The team is made up of five players'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'conformare', combining 'con' (together) and 'formare' (to shape or give form).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'conformar' mean the same thing as the English 'conform'?
Not exactly. English 'conform' usually means following rules. In Spanish, 'conformar' means to 'make up/form' something, while 'conformarse' means 'to settle for' something.
When should I use 'con' with this verb?
Use 'con' when you are saying what you are settling for (e.g., 'Me conformo con café'). Don't use 'con' when you are saying what parts make up a whole (e.g., 'Tres piezas conforman el set').
Is 'conformar' formal?
Using it to mean 'to make up/constitute' is slightly formal. However, 'conformarse' (to settle for) is used by everyone in everyday conversation.