accommodate
/əˈkɒməˌdeɪt/
The primary sense is about creating space—either physical or metaphorical—to fit something in. It suggests a flexible adjustment to ensure a need is met, whether that means providing a room for a guest or altering a schedule for a colleague. In a social or interpersonal context, it carries a nuance of helpfulness and compromise. To accommodate someone often implies a degree of self-sacrifice or yielding to another's preferences to avoid conflict or provide comfort. Unlike 'adapt', which focuses on the subject changing itself to survive or fit in, 'accommodate' emphasizes the act of making room for others. It is widely used in professional and hospitality contexts, maintaining a polite, formal, and cooperative tone.
💬Casual Conversation
Are you actually going to help with the setup for Chloe's party or what?
I can't tonight, I'm busy. Can't you just accommodate a later start?
Meanings
To provide lodging or sufficient space for someone or something.
"The hotel can accommodate up to three hundred guests."
To fit in with the wishes or needs of someone.
"We will do our best to accommodate your special requests."
To adapt or adjust something to suit a new purpose or situation.
"The company had to accommodate its business model to the changing market."
To adjust oneself to new conditions or a different environment.
"It took several months for the new employees to accommodate themselves to the corporate culture."
Collocations & Compounds
accommodate growth
To provide space or resources for an increase in size or numbers.
The new building is designed to accommodate growth for the next twenty years.
accommodate demand
To provide or supply what is needed to meet a particular demand.
The airline struggled to accommodate demand during the holiday season.
accommodate guests
To provide lodging or hospitality for visitors.
The hotel can accommodate guests in over 200 rooms.
accommodate changes
To adapt or adjust to new circumstances or requirements.
The software needs to be flexible enough to accommodate changes in user preferences.
accommodate the disabled
To provide facilities or adjustments that make something accessible or usable for people with disabilities.
New ramps were installed to accommodate the disabled.
Etymology
The word 'accommodate' comes from the Latin word 'accommodare', meaning 'to make fit' or 'to adapt'. It is formed from 'ad-' (meaning 'to') and 'commodus' (meaning 'fitting, convenient'). The word entered English in the early 17th century, initially with the meaning of 'to make suitable' or 'to adapt'. The sense of 'providing lodging or space' developed later.