accommodate
To make adjustments, provisions, or space to fit the needs, wishes, or differences of others.
Accommodation involves changing the existing system or environment to ensure that someone else can participate fully and comfortably.
Word relationships
- adapt: Adapt means to change oneself to fit a new environment, while accommodate means to change the environment or system to fit someone else's needs.
- oblige: Oblige means to do a favor for someone, while accommodate implies a more structural or physical adjustment to meet a need.
- hinder: Hinder means to make it difficult for someone to do something, the opposite of accommodating them.
- obstruct: Obstruct means to block or get in the way of someone's progress or access.
Commonly confused with
- compromise: Compromise involves both sides giving up something, while accommodating often involves one side making adjustments to help the other.
Word family
- accommodation (noun): The act of adjusting or making space for someone.
- accommodating (adjective): Willing to help or make adjustments; obliging.
Collocations
- accommodate needs
- accommodate guests
- accommodate differences
- make accommodations
Idioms & expressions
- bend over backward
Example sentences
- "The company renovated its headquarters to accommodate employees with physical disabilities, installing ramps and automatic doors." Discussing workplace accessibility.
Memory hook
Think of a 'commode' or a 'commodious' room. A commodious room has plenty of space to 'accommodate' all your furniture comfortably. Accommodate makes space and fits needs.
When not to use
Do not use 'accommodate' if you are merely tolerating someone without making any active adjustments to help them.
Fun facts
- In ophthalmology, 'accommodation' is the process by which the eye changes its optical power to focus on an object as its distance varies.
- The plural noun 'accommodations' commonly refers to lodgings or a place to stay, which is a specific way of accommodating travelers.
Explore more words
accommodating, adapt, acclimatize, adaptive, compromise, adaptable
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