accommodate

Accommodate is a verb with related senses centered on providing space, suitability, or service. The primary meaning is to provide lodging or room for someone or something: to accommodate travelers, to accommodate a conference, or to accommodate a guest with accessibility needs by making reasonable adjustments. A broader sense is to oblige or serve a request, such as adjusting rules, schedules, or plans to fit the needs of others; one often says a timetable can be adjusted to accommodate a new meeting. A third sense is to fit or be suitable for a purpose or situation, as a design that accommodates a range of sizes or uses.

The noun form accommodation (plural accommodations) refers to lodging or housing, especially in hotels or apartments, and can also denote the act of accommodating or the adjustments made to meet needs.

Etymology: from Old French accommoder, from late Latin accommodare, meaning to fit or make suitable. The word has Romance-language cognates and entered English in the Middle English period with the sense of making things suitable or convenient for someone.

Usage notes: In formal writing, distinguish lodging usage (accommodation) from logistical adjustments (to accommodate). The term supports both tangible space and abstract adaptation and is common in travel, event planning, accessibility, and customer service.

See also: accommodation, adapt, adjust, fit, lodge, house.