Confused and Misused Words - Adherence and Adhesion

"Both these words mean "sticking to" something, but they differ slightly in use.



Adhesion is used most often when what is being described is one thing literally sticking to another: Its strong adhesion to most surfaces means it is extremely durable and flexible



Adherence, on the other hand, is generally used to refer to a person's "sticking to" something in a more figurative sense, eg remaining faithful to an ideal, principle, agreement, policy, etc. or, less commonly, belonging to a group or organization"



in Chambers Guide to Grammar and Usage (1997:123)