accommodate
uh-KOM-uh-deyt
/əˈkɒmədeɪt/
To provide lodging or sufficient space for; to fit, adapt, or make adjustments for someone's needs.
Implies a willingness to adjust one's own plans, space, or resources to make things comfortable or possible for another.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'accommodatus', past participle of 'accommodare' ('to fit, adapt, make fit'), from 'ad-' ('to') + 'commodus' ('suitable, convenient, having proper measure'). It is about bringing things into a comfortable, measured balance for someone else.
Word relationships
- oblige: Oblige means to do a favor out of duty or politeness, whereas accommodate implies physically adjusting or providing space/resources.
- house: House refers strictly to providing shelter, while accommodate can mean adjusting to physical space or personal preferences.
- inconvenience: To cause trouble, discomfort, or extra work for someone.
- reject: To refuse to accept, consider, or make room for someone.
Commonly confused with
- compromise: Compromise involves both sides giving something up, whereas accommodating often involves one side adjusting to meet the needs of the other.
Word family
- accommodation (noun): A room, group of rooms, or building in which someone may live or stay; an adjustment.
- accommodating (adjective): Willing to fit in with someone's wishes or needs.
Collocations
- accommodate guests
- accommodate needs
- accommodate dietary restrictions
- easily accommodate
Idioms & expressions
- bend over backward
Example sentences
- "To accommodate his guest's vegan diet, the chef prepared a special roasted squash main course." Adjusting a menu for a guest's dietary restrictions.
- "The dining room was large enough to accommodate thirty guests comfortably around the grand table." Describing physical capacity of a venue.
Memory hook
Look at the double 'C' and double 'M' in the spelling: it has plenty of 'C'abinets and 'M'attresses to accommodate everyone! Double C, double M: plenty of room to accommodate them.
When not to use
Do not use when simply tolerating someone without making active adjustments or providing physical space.
Fun facts
- The word's spelling is one of the most commonly missed in English because people forget either the second 'c' or the second 'm'.
Related words
Explore more words
accommodating, adapt, acclimatize, adaptive, compromise, adaptable
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