Confirmation vs. Conformation: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 4, 2023
Confirmation is the act of verifying or validating something, while Conformation refers to the structure, form, or shape of something.
Key Differences
Confirmation is a term that signifies the act of confirming, validating, or asserting the truth or authenticity of something. In contrast, Conformation addresses the structure, form, or arrangement of something, particularly its physical shape.
When you receive Confirmation of a hotel booking, it assures you that your reservation is secured. On the other hand, when someone speaks about the Conformation of a molecule in chemistry, they are discussing its spatial arrangement.
Religious rites, particularly in Christianity, include a sacrament called Confirmation that strengthens a person's faith. Whereas, breeders might discuss the Conformation of a horse, referring to its physical build and bone structure.
Confirmation can also be a psychological phenomenon, such as confirmation bias, where individuals favor information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs. Conformation, in the meantime, can be used in a broader context, like the conformation of a landscape to a particular terrain.
Email systems often send Confirmation emails to ensure a user's action, like subscription or password reset. In the domain of biology, proteins can have different Conformational states, which means they can change their structure under certain conditions.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Act of verifying or validating.
Structure, form, or shape of something.
Common Usage
Validation, assurance, religious sacraments.
Chemistry, biology, breeding.
Context
Asserting truth, authenticity, or certainty.
Discussing spatial or physical arrangement.
Associated Imagery
Emails, certificates, sacraments.
Molecules, landscapes, animals.
Grammatical Category
Noun derived from the verb "confirm".
Noun derived from the verb "conform".
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Confirmation and Conformation Definitions
Confirmation
Reinforcement of a person's beliefs or biases.
He suffers from confirmation bias, only seeing data that supports his view.
Conformation
The shape, structure, or form of something.
The Conformation of the protein changed under heat.
Confirmation
Religious rite in Christianity to strengthen faith.
Jane's Confirmation ceremony is next month.
Conformation
The spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule.
This molecule has a tetrahedral Conformation.
Confirmation
Affirmation or acknowledgment of a belief or fact.
Her nod was a Confirmation of her agreement.
Conformation
Compliance or alignment with a standard.
The device is in Conformation with safety regulations.
Confirmation
The act of confirming.
Conformation
Physical build or bone structure of an animal.
The horse has excellent Conformation for show jumping.
Confirmation
Something that confirms; verification.
Conformation
The act of conforming or the state of being conformed.
Confirmation
A Christian rite admitting a baptized person to full membership in a church.
Conformation
The structure or outline of an item or entity, determined by the arrangement of its parts.
Confirmation
A ceremony in Judaism that marks the completion of a young person's religious training.
Conformation
A symmetrical arrangement of the parts of a thing.
Confirmation
An official indicator that things will happen as planned.
We will send you a written confirmation of your hotel booking.
Conformation
One of the spatial arrangements of atoms in a molecule that can come about through free rotation of the atoms about a chemical bond.
Confirmation
A verification that something is true or has happened.
The announcement in the newspaper was a confirmation of my suspicions.
Conformation
The act of conforming; the act of producing conformity.
Confirmation
A ceremony of sealing and conscious acknowledgement of the faith in many Christian churches, typically around the ages of 14 to 18; considered a sacrament in some churches, including Catholicism, but not in most Protestant churches.
Conformation
The state of being conformed; agreement
Confirmation
The act of confirming or strengthening; the act of establishing, ratifying, or sanctioning; as, the confirmation of an appointment.
Their blood is shedIn confirmation of the noblest claim.
Conformation
Structure, the arrangement of parts of some thing; form; arrangement.
Confirmation
That which confirms; that which gives new strength or assurance; as to a statement or belief; additional evidence; proof; convincing testimony.
Trifles light as airAre to the jealous confirmations strongAs proofs of holy writ.
Conformation
(chemistry) The spatial arrangement of a group of atoms in a molecule as a result of rotation about a covalent bond which remains unbroken.
Confirmation
A rite supplemental to baptism, by which a person is admitted, through the laying on of the hands of a bishop, to the full privileges of the church, as in the Roman Catholic, the Episcopal Church, etc.
This ordinance is called confirmation, because they who duly receive it are confirmed or strengthened for the fulfillment of their Christian duties, by the grace therein bestowed upon them.
Conformation
The act of conforming; the act of producing conformity.
The conformation of our hearts and lives to the duties of true religion and morality.
Confirmation
A conveyance by which a voidable estate is made sure and not voidable, or by which a particular estate is increased; a contract, express or implied, by which a person makes that firm and binding which was before voidable.
Conformation
The state of being conformed; agreement; hence; structure, as depending on the arrangement of parts; form; arrangement.
In Hebrew poetry, there may be observed a certain conformation of the sentences.
A structure and conformation of the earth.
Confirmation
Additional proof that something that was believed (some fact or hypothesis or theory) is correct;
Fossils provided further confirmation of the evolutionary theory
Conformation
A symmetrical arrangement of the parts of a thing
Confirmation
Information that confirms or verifies
Conformation
Any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline);
He could barely make out their shapes through the smoke
Confirmation
Making something valid by formally ratifying or confirming it;
The ratification of the treaty
Confirmation of the appointment
Conformation
Acting according to certain accepted standards
Confirmation
A ceremony held in the synagogue (usually at Pentecost) to admit as adult members of the Jewish community young men and women who have successfully completed a course of study in Judaism
Conformation
Adaptation in form or structure.
The canyon's Conformation was shaped by the river over millennia.
Confirmation
A sacrament admitting a baptized person to full participation in the church
Confirmation
Act of validating or verifying something.
I received a Confirmation email for my online purchase.
Confirmation
A document proving the validation of an action.
He showed his ticket as Confirmation of his journey.
FAQs
What does Conformation mean in biology?
In biology, Conformation often refers to the spatial arrangement or shape of molecules like proteins.
Is a Confirmation email a proof of action?
Yes, a Confirmation email typically verifies or validates a specific action taken online.
Can Confirmation refer to a religious rite?
Yes, Confirmation is a sacrament in Christianity that strengthens a person's faith.
Can Confirmation mean an affirmation?
Yes, Confirmation can signify an affirmation or acknowledgment of a belief or fact.
How is Confirmation used in psychology?
In psychology, Confirmation bias refers to favoring information that aligns with one's pre-existing beliefs.
Can I receive Confirmation of a purchase?
Yes, Confirmation can be provided as proof of a purchase, often in the form of a receipt or email.
Is Conformation related to conforming?
Yes, Conformation is derived from the verb "conform", indicating alignment with a shape, structure, or standard.
Can Confirmation mean assurance?
Yes, Confirmation can provide assurance or certainty about a matter.
How is Conformation used in chemistry?
In chemistry, Conformation refers to the spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule.
Is Conformation about compliance?
Conformation can mean compliance or alignment with a standard, especially in regulatory contexts.
Can Conformation refer to landscapes?
Yes, Conformation can describe how a landscape adapts in form or structure over time.
Can Conformation mean alignment?
Yes, Conformation can refer to alignment with a particular form, structure, or standard.
Is a Confirmation certificate proof of a sacrament?
Yes, a Confirmation certificate is proof of undergoing the religious rite in Christianity.
Can I ask for Confirmation in communication?
Yes, asking for Confirmation ensures clarity and understanding in communication.
Can I receive Confirmation in verbal communication?
Yes, Confirmation can be given verbally to affirm understanding or agreement.
In what fields is Conformation frequently discussed?
Conformation is commonly discussed in chemistry, biology, and breeding.
Does Conformation relate to fitting a mold?
Yes, Conformation can indicate how something aligns or fits a specific shape or mold.
Does Conformation imply a change in shape?
Conformation describes the shape or structure, which can change under certain conditions, especially in biological contexts.
Is Confirmation bias a cognitive flaw?
Yes, Confirmation bias is a cognitive flaw where individuals favor information that confirms their existing beliefs.
Is Conformation only about physical structure?
While often about physical structure, Conformation can also imply compliance or alignment with standards.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
