accommodating
uh-KOM-uh-day-ting
/əˈkɒmədeɪtɪŋ/
Fitting in with someone's wishes or demands in a helpful, friendly, and obliging manner.
Reflects interpersonal generosity and an active desire to make things easy or comfortable for others.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'accommodare' (to fit, adapt, adjust), built from 'ad-' (to) and 'commodus' (proper measure, convenient). In Latin, it meant making something suitable for a specific purpose before evolving into the modern sense of being helpful to guests or colleagues.
Word relationships
- obliging: Obliging implies eagerness to perform favors, whereas accommodating focuses on adapting arrangements for convenience.
- compliant: Compliant carries a tone of submissive rule-following, while accommodating stems from goodwill and helpfulness.
- uncooperative: Uncooperative describes refusing to work together or assist others.
- obliging: Inobliging or obstructive describes actively causing inconvenience.
Commonly confused with
- accumulating: Accommodating means helpful and adaptable; accumulating means gathering or growing in quantity over time.
Word family
- accommodate (verb): To provide housing or space for; to fit in with needs.
- accommodation (noun): A room, group of rooms, or space where someone can live or stay; a compromise.
Collocations
- accommodating host
- accommodating stance
- wonderfully accommodating
- accommodating nature
Idioms & expressions
- meet halfway
- bend over backward
Example sentences
- "He was an accommodating fellow, always ready to adjust his own desires to suit his companions." 19th-century novel narrative on friendly character
- "The hotel staff was exceptionally accommodating, arranging late check-outs and dietary options without extra charge." Hospitality management feedback
Memory hook
ACCOMMODATING: providing COMfortable COMMODITIES to make others feel welcome. Making room and comfort for others willingly.
When not to use
Do not use for physical objects or materials bending under pressure; reserve for people, policies, or hospitality.
Fun facts
- The root 'modus' (measure) inside 'commodus' also gives us 'mode', 'modest', and 'modify'.
Explore more words
accommodate, indulgent, courtesy, hospitable, considerate, amiable
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