accommodate
verb (transitive)
UKəˈkɒm.ə.deɪtUSəˈkɑː.mə.deɪt
to provide lodging or sufficient space for; to do a kindness or a favor to; to adjust or adapt to someone or something
Example Sentences
The hotel can accommodate up to three hundred guests during peak season.
We had to quickly rearrange the schedule to accommodate the new client meeting.
He worked late to accommodate her request for an earlier deadline.
The conference room can accommodate a large number of attendees without feeling cramped.
She bought an adjustable desk to accommodate both standing and sitting while working.
Good communication skills can help you accommodate different viewpoints in a group project.
In an effort to accommodate international visitors, the museum offered multilingual guides and extended visiting hours, ensuring that everyone felt welcome regardless of the language they spoke or the time they chose to visit.
Many universities are now updating their facilities to accommodate people with disabilities more effectively, adding ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms to foster an inclusive educational environment.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To provide space or adapt for others’ needs or conditions.“Accommodate” is a versatile verb indicating the act of making room for someone or something, adjusting to meet specific requirements, or extending flexibility in a given situation. You might accommodate a guest by offering them a place to sleep, or you might accommodate an employee’s schedule by allowing flexible working hours. In a broader sense, the word also applies to mental or organizational adaptability—like revising a plan to suit newly discovered constraints.When you “accommodate” an individual, you demonstrate consideration, whether that’s through physical arrangements (like providing a wheelchair-accessible ramp) or through policy changes (such as granting extra time for tasks). Within interpersonal relationships, accommodating someone might mean adjusting your communication style to make them feel more comfortable. In business, you might alter timelines or shift project priorities to accommodate urgent client needs.In formal or professional contexts, the word often appears in discussions about policies or compliance. For example, workplace accommodations might address physical, sensory, or cognitive needs so that employees can perform at their best. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States, for instance, requires employers to accommodate people with disabilities unless doing so causes undue hardship. In academic settings, educators might accommodate students with learning differences by modifying lesson plans or extending test times.Whether you’re hosting an event, running a business, or simply interacting with friends, employing “accommodate” demonstrates your willingness to be flexible and considerate of others’ perspectives or requirements. By understanding the underlying principle—making space, adjusting, or adapting to meet demands or preferences—your use of “accommodate” becomes clear and purposeful in conversation, writing, or action.
Alternatives
If you’re seeking alternative words or phrases that capture the essence of “accommodate,” start by thinking about its core meaning: to make room, adjust, or adapt. “Oblige” often appears in polite contexts, suggesting a willingness to grant a favor or meet a request—e.g., “We can oblige your schedule by shifting the meeting date.” “Adapt” focuses on making changes to fit new conditions, while “adjust” zeroes in on small modifications rather than large-scale overhauls. “Fit in,” though more informal, underscores creating or freeing up space for something or someone.When discussing hospitality or making guests comfortable, “cater to” can work well, evoking a sense of customized service, especially in contexts like events or restaurants. Meanwhile, “meet the needs of” emphasizes fulfilling specific requirements or conditions, making it a good choice for professional or organizational discourse—e.g., “Our facilities are designed to meet the needs of different clients.” “Facilitate” leans toward the idea of aiding a process, which can be useful if you’re describing making procedures easier for others, such as “We facilitate remote work to help employees balance personal obligations.” Each synonym pinpoints a slightly different aspect—granting, adapting, adjusting, or assisting—so choose the one that best aligns with the focus of your writing or conversation.
Writing
In your writing, “accommodate” can perform multiple functions: illustrating attentiveness to others’ needs, highlighting organizational adaptability, or noting practical adjustments made to an environment or schedule. In a report or proposal, you might demonstrate how your team plans to accommodate new technology requirements without disrupting existing workflows, or how a building remodel will accommodate individuals with mobility challenges.In more personal or reflective pieces—such as an essay or narrative—you can use “accommodate” to show empathetic or considerate behavior among characters or real-life figures. For instance, describing how a host accommodates last-minute guests speaks volumes about the host’s hospitality and resourcefulness. If you aim for clarity, pair “accommodate” with concrete details: who is being accommodated, what specific challenge or situation prompted the adaptation, and how the solution effectively addresses the need. Through vivid examples and thoughtful explanations, your readers will grasp not just the meaning of “accommodate,” but also its real-life implications.While “accommodate” might sound slightly formal in certain contexts, it’s still flexible enough for everyday use. Just ensure that you match the tone of your piece—if you’re writing informally, you might provide simpler terms or more specific verbs to convey the same idea. However, in most formal and semi-formal writing, “accommodate” remains appropriate, as it captures the spirit of adjusting, welcoming, or assisting without ambiguity.
Casual Conversation
In day-to-day conversation, “accommodate” often means making room or changing plans to help someone out. For example, you might say, “I can accommodate your request to carpool tomorrow,” indicating you’re willing to adjust your schedule. Or if your friend asks if they can bring an extra guest to your party, responding with “Sure, I can accommodate that” shows you’re ready to handle the surprise addition.Sometimes, you’ll hear it used in contexts like, “I’m trying to accommodate everyone’s dietary needs for the potluck,” pointing to thoughtfulness and practical problem-solving in everyday life. Though “accommodate” can sound formal, it’s common enough in casual chat that it won’t feel out of place. If you’re worried it’s too formal, try simpler phrasing like “I’ll make it work” or “I’ve got room,” but keep “accommodate” on hand when you need to emphasize the idea of adapting or making space for someone else’s preferences or constraints.In group dynamics—planning trips with friends, organizing events, or just negotiating everyday responsibilities—“accommodate” highlights a sense of mutual understanding and courtesy. It shows you’re willing to pivot your plans, share resources, or provide extra support. Using the term in casual conversation can actually underscore a cooperative or generous attitude, making it clear you value collaboration and inclusivity in everyday scenarios.
Etymology
“Accommodate” stems from the Latin verb “accommodāre,” which itself combines “ad-” (meaning “to” or “toward”) and “commodus” (meaning “suitable,” “convenient,” or “comfortable”). “Commodus” also appears in related English words like “commodity” and “commode,” reflecting ideas of convenience or practicality. Initially, “accommodāre” carried the sense of fitting one thing to another in a way that was well-suited or made more comfortable.Over centuries, this concept evolved into both practical and abstract uses in English. Practical applications involve physically making space—like adjusting seating arrangements—while abstract ones encompass adapting policies or shifting perspectives to meet someone’s needs or conditions. The spelling of “accommodate” is often cited as a common source of confusion (with its double “c” and double “m”), but its historical roots emphasize the combination of “to” and “fitting well.” The word has always embodied the spirit of creating or adapting conditions to suit multiple parties, reinforcing the notion of flexibility, hospitality, and cooperation across numerous contexts.
