accommodate
C1Neutral to formal. Common in business, academic, and formal writing.
Definition
Meaning
To provide with a place to live or be; to make room for.
To adapt, adjust, or make suitable; to fit in with someone's needs or wishes; to reconcile differences.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Can denote physical provision of space, abstract adjustment to needs, or financial provision. Often implies a one-sided provision or adjustment to suit another party.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Minor spelling preference in related words (e.g., accommodation vs. accommodations).
Connotations
Slightly more formal in both varieties. US English may more readily use 'accommodations' in the plural for lodging.
Frequency
Similar high frequency in both, especially in professional and administrative contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
accommodate somebody/somethingaccommodate somebody with somethingaccommodate something to somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Bend over backwards to accommodate (someone)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
We must accommodate the client's new requirements within the existing budget.
Academic
The theory was later modified to accommodate the new experimental data.
Everyday
Can your sofa accommodate three people comfortably?
Technical
The software's architecture can accommodate future plugins.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The hotel can accommodate a party of fifty.
- We will try to accommodate your special dietary requirements.
- The old theatre could not accommodate the large set.
American English
- The parking garage accommodates over 300 vehicles.
- The policy was changed to accommodate employee feedback.
- Can you accommodate an earlier meeting time?
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form in common use.
American English
- No standard adverb form in common use.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjective form in common use.
American English
- No standard adjective form in common use.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The big car can accommodate seven people.
- The hotel accommodates many tourists.
- We need to find a room that can accommodate everyone.
- The teacher tried to accommodate the student's learning style.
- The system is flexible enough to accommodate future upgrades.
- He was unwilling to accommodate his colleague's unreasonable demands.
- The treaty was carefully worded to accommodate the divergent interests of all signatories.
- The architect's design brilliantly accommodates the historical facade with modern interior needs.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A Comfy Matt' - 'A Comfy Matt' can accommodate a good night's sleep (providing a place).
Conceptual Metaphor
SPACE/SHELTER IS PROVISION (e.g., 'make room for', 'fit in').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'аккомпанировать' (to accompany musically).
- Do not use as a direct translation for 'приспосабливаться' in all reflexive contexts; 'adapt' or 'adjust' may be better.
- The Russian word 'размещать' covers only the physical 'provide space' meaning, missing the abstract 'adjust to needs' sense.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling: 'acommodate' (one 'm'), 'accomodate' (one 'm').
- Using 'accommodate to' incorrectly (e.g., 'I accommodated to the situation' – better: 'I accommodated myself to...' or 'I adapted to...').
- Confusing 'accommodate' with 'accumulate'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best captures the meaning of 'accommodate' in a business context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically just 'accommodate' (transitive). 'Accommodate oneself to' is possible but formal; 'adapt to' is more common for the reflexive meaning.
Spelling: forgetting it has two 'c's and two 'm's (accommodate).
Not exactly. It means 'to fit in with' or 'make suitable for', which often involves adjustment or compromise, not simple agreement.
'Accommodation' (UK often singular, US often plural 'accommodations' for lodging).