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accommodate

uh-KOM-uh-dayt /əˈkɑːmədeɪt/

verbB2GRESATTOEFLIELTS

neutralformal

To adjust or adapt to meet the needs, preferences, or requests of someone.

In dining, it means modifying kitchen dishes or seating setups to satisfy special dietary or physical requests.

The story behind the word. Formed from Latin 'adcommodare' (to make suitable, from 'modus', meaning proper limit). It entered English in the 16th century meaning to render fit before adapting into modern hospitality terminology.

Word relationships

oblige: 'Oblige' means doing a favor out of kindness, while 'accommodate' means adjusting physical space or procedures.
adjust: 'Adjust' is general alteration, while 'accommodate' specifically focuses on fitting a guest's request.

refuse: Declining to adapt or grant a request.

Commonly confused with

accumulate: 'Accumulate' means gathering quantity over time, while 'accommodate' means adapting space or service.

Word family

accommodation (noun): Lodging or an adjustment made for convenience.
accommodating (adjective): Willing to adapt and help.

Collocations

accommodate dietary restrictions
accommodate requests
accommodate large groups
accommodate needs

Example sentences

"The kitchen was happy to accommodate her gluten allergy by preparing a custom dish." Dietary request
"Our private dining room can accommodate up to twenty guests for a formal dinner." Seating capacity

Memory hook

ACCOMMODATE has double 'c' and double 'm'—make space for both! Adapt or make room for needs.

When not to use

Do not use to mean simply 'like' or 'enjoy'; it requires an active adjustment to fit a need.

Fun facts

'Accommodate' is consistently ranked among the top ten most frequently misspelled words in English due to its double 'c' and double 'm'.